Who would have thought that Augustana University would have to pay $40-million for less than an inch of ice?

Augustana University, located in Sioux Falls, is in the process of building a new arena and facility that will hold the Augustana Vikings Hockey team as the first D-1 hockey program in the state of South Dakota. As the ground has been broken to build this project, the end is in sight with an expected completion date in 2023. Being accepted into a conference and hiring a head coach can solidify this program being able to start next fall. 

Sioux Falls is a hockey community, with a large number of participants and support. Students that play hockey, as of right now, play at the Scheels IcePlex. Additionally, many LHS students watch the Sioux Falls Hockey Team, the Stampede, whose games are held at the Denny Sanford Arena. The Augie arena will give not only students but everyone in the community a chance of experiencing hockey in an authentic location. 

Future fans are already starting to apply for season tickets to the Augie Hockey games. 

According to goaugie.com, “Submissions are now being taken for the Augustana Hockey Season Ticket Interest List. Fans interested in season tickets are encouraged to submit their contact information and desired number of tickets.”

It is completely reasonable that people are wanting tickets to these games before the season even starts. The place where these games are going to be played costs $40-million and seats 3,000 people. The blueprint of the arena is available for community members to view, and is funded by Midco and multiple other donors. 

A staff writer for NHL.com states that, “Construction for the state-of-the-art arena is being fueled by a lead gift from South Dakota billionaire and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, Midco, Sanford Health and other key donors,” said Douglas. 

Not only are the fans ready for this season to come around but the first Augustana hockey coach, Garret Raboin, is ready. Raboin was previously the assistant coach at the University of Minnesota for four seasons; and prior to that, he was the assistant coach at St. Cloud State. Raboin has spent his whole life in the rink or right outside of it. He is more than ready for this season to begin. 

As the season comes closer and closer, the players, coach and organization become more prepared for the season. One task that was just recently accomplished was getting this team secured into a conference. The Augustana Hockey Team will be joining the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). 

Sioux Falls hockey player for the Flyers states that, “The hockey players at LHS think that it is really crazy that there is a D-1 Program in our city,” said Drayton DeCourcey.

Sioux Falls hockey fans have a lot to look forward to this year.