Augustana hockey looks to build as full members of CCHA

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Augustana hockey team will begin their second year in about two and a half months and the Vikings will have more to play for this season.

Augustana was set to become full members of the CCHA in the 2025-26 season, however a vote from the conference’s Board of Directors granted Augie full membership a year early.

“Huge news for us because I think it just shows the commitment that we made as an institution, the investment that so many have made, and then the program that coach Raboin and his staff has built so far. Just really justifies the work that they have done and that we have done to get to this point,” Augustana’s Vice President for Athletics Josh Morton said.

Augie sent out a press release Tuesday, where the CCHA commissioner said “Augustana has followed through on everything asked of them by our CCHA members and this decision will allow the Vikings to continue to grow their program.”

An opportunity that Augustana pushed for since the start of the year.

“I’ve been working with the hockey staff and President Herseth Sandlin since January to say, hey, we feel like we’re ready to be full members and it would mean a lot for our program and a grateful that our league members and leaders across the league agreed with us,” Morton said.

Full membership now allows the Vikings to qualify for the CCHA postseason.

“It gives us something more to play for, we were always eligible for the NCAA tournament, but it’s pretty difficult as an at-large in your second year of a program. So there’s nine of us that now get the opportunity to compete for that one automatic qualifier spot,” the Vice President said.

While Tuesday’s announcement effects this year’s team, Morton says it’ll also continue to build the future for the Vikings.

“It’s not just about one year, not about two years or three years, it’s about laying that foundation and continuing to find that competitive excellence. So I think our roster will reflect that,” Morton said.

Augustana will begin the season on the road in an exhibition match against North Dakota on October 5th.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.