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How to watch, follow, the Penn State men's hockey home opener vs. Clarkson

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel10/09/25GregPickel
NCAA Hockey: Penn State at Arizona State
Penn State Nittany Lions forward Charlie Cerrato (15) celebrates a goal against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third period at Mullett Arena. (Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

The Penn State men’s hockey team started its 2025-2026 season on the road with a two-game sweep at Arizona State last week. Now, head coach Guy Gadowsky’s team is ready for its home opener. The 2-0 Nittany Lions host ECAC foe Clarkson tonight at Pegula Ice Arena. It’s the start of a two-game series that finishes on Friday night. The Golden Knights come to State College with a 0-1 mark on the year. They still received three votes in the most recent USHCO.com poll.

“Every game that we play here in Pegula Ice Arena gives me a little bit of butterflies,” Lions coach Guy Gadowsky said this week, according to The Daily Collegian. “From the first time that we were able to step out on the ice, however many years ago now it is, every time I look forward to getting the privilege of playing in front of this crowd.”

Penn State leads the all-time series with Clarkson 4-1-0. The two sides last met in State College in 2018 and overall in 2023. As for home openers, the Lions are 9-2-1 all-time in those at Pegula Ice Arena. Per the team’s game notes, “The Nittany Lions are outscoring their opponents 50-35 in home openers averaging 3.85 goals per game while only allowing 2.69.”

Will Jackson Smith make his debut?

The answer is yes.

The 2025 first-round NHL Draft pick was scratched for both games with the Sun Devils due to being sick. Gadowksky told reporters this week that he’s unsure if the standout defenseman will be ready to go for tonight’s contest. But, the team’s lineup sheet has him as a third-pairing defenseman with Jarod Crespo.

How to watch, follow Penn State men’s hockey vs. Clarkson

Game: Penn State vs. Clarkson

Venue: Pegula Ice Arena

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Watch: Big Ten Network

Stream: BTN+

Listen: Penn State Sports Network

Stats: Via Stat Broadcast

Discuss: Nittany Lion fans can discuss the PSU hockey season and more inside The Lions Den forum. Click here to access it.