Augustana (South Dakota) Vikings men's ice hockey explained

Current:2024–25 Augustana (South Dakota) Vikings men's ice hockey season
Team Name:Augustana (South Dakota) Vikings
Team Link:
University:Augustana University
Sex:men's
Conference:Central Collegiate Hockey Association
Conference Short:CCHA
Location:Sioux Falls, South Dakota
First Year:2023–24
Coach:Garrett Raboin
Coach Year:2nd
Coach Wins:12
Coach Losses:18
Coach Ties:4
Arena:Midco Arena[1]
Color1:Navy
Color2:Gold
Hex1:002D62
Hex2:FFDD00

The Augustana Vikings men's ice hockey is a NCAA Division I ice hockey team that began play in the fall of 2023.[2]

History

In the summer of 2021, in accordance with plans for Augustana University to raise its athletic programs from NCAA Division II to Division I, the university announced that there was interest in adding a men's ice hockey program.[3] After receiving donations from several sources, spearheaded by T. Denny Sanford, the school was able to move forward with plans for the program. On October 5, the school broke ground on the Midco Arena, a $40 million, 3,000-seat venue that the team will use as its home rink.[4] The Vikings played their first five home games off campus at Denny Sanford Premier Center. Midco Arena opened on January 26, 2024, and the Vikings played their first game at the arena on the same date.[5]

The program is the first varsity ice hockey team at any level to call South Dakota home.

On April 18, 2022, the program announced the hiring of Minnesota Golden Gophers' assistant coach Garrett Raboin as the team's inaugural head coach.[6] On May 17, 2022, it was announced that the Vikings will become a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, playing a transitional schedule its first two years before playing a full CCHA schedule come the 2025–26 season.[7]

Season-by-season results

See main article: List of Augustana (South Dakota) Vikings men's ice hockey seasons.

All-time coaching records

As of the completion of 2023–24 season

Current roster

As of July 30, 2024.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Renderings of Midco Arena Released to Public for First Time . Augustana Vikings . February 21, 2023 . August 16, 2023.
  2. Web site: Augustana officially announces men's Division I hockey program, new rink with groundbreaking ceremony . USCHO.com . October 5, 2021 . October 5, 2021.
  3. Web site: Augustana University in South Dakota aiming to add Division I men's hockey, elevate athletics program from Division II to Division I . USCHO.com . June 16, 2021 . October 5, 2021.
  4. Web site: Augustana officially announces Division I hockey program, to play in Midco Arena starting in 2023–24 . Argus Leader . October 5, 2021 . October 5, 2021.
  5. Web site: Hockey . Lets Play . 2024-01-31 . Augustana University's Midco Arena Celebrates Grand Opening . 2024-02-06 . Lets Play Hockey . en-US.
  6. Web site: Garrett Raboin Named First Augustana Hockey Head Coach . . April 18, 2022 . April 18, 2022.
  7. CCHA Grants Membership to Augustana University . Central Collegiate Hockey Association . May 17, 2022.
  8. Web site: Augustana Vikings. 2024–25 Men's Hockey Roster. July 30, 2024.