‘A different build’: Augie hockey continues to grow in year two

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Augustana hockey team went 12-18-4 in their inaugural season last year. Now, the Vikings are preparing for year number two as they work to build.

“You feel very much so in a build. We have 18 guys who are our oldest players and most familiar with Augustana, but they’re entering year two,” Augustana head coach Garrett Raboin said.

“We’re trying to bring the good things from last year and improve those too. I feel like we’re a very competitive team,” Augustana senior defenseman Uula Ruikka said.

The biggest change in year two is their full membership into the CCHA. That means they’ll have a chance to reach the conference playoffs.

“There’s just an elevated intensity knowing that every point matters in how you’re positioned to go into the postseason,” Raboin said. “We have a nine team league. Eight of us make the postseason and we certainly hope we’re one of them.”

Augie wasn’t supposed to receive full conference membership until after this season, but the CCHA saw value in adding the Vikings a year early.

“This is a different build. Everyone’s known that for everyone who’s on the inside,” Raboin said. “The commitment, the university, the building of a $74 million area, those things are outside of what normal looks like.”

Sophomore goaltenders Kayden Hargraves and Josh Kotai return for the Vikings, after gaining several games of experience last season.

“Now Christian Manz comes in and we have two sophomores and a freshman. As we say as coaches, the goalies pick the starters,” Raboin said. “We’ll certainly put it on the lineup, but somebody has got to grab a hold of the opportunity.”

Midco Arena will be a difference maker for the Vikings. Unlike last season, Augie will have home games and a consistent place to improve.

“Even going beyond the homes games to start the year, we were getting ready in trailers last year to start the year,” Augustana forward Luke Mobley said. “Having a home, there’s weights here and there’s everything you need to be a hockey player here.”

Augustana opens the year at home. They’ll host Long Island University on Friday and Saturday night.

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