CCHA Accepts Augustana as Ninth Member : College Hockey News

May 17, 2022
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CHN Staff Report

The CCHA formally introduced Augustana as its ninth member on Tuesday. The league said that the CCHA Board of Directors has voted unanimously to admit the new program.

Augustana will launch its Division I program for the 2023-24 season.

“We are very pleased to welcome Augustana University into the CCHA,” said CCHA Board of Directors Chair and Bemidji State University President Dr. Faith Hensrud. “The commitment Augustana University has to academic excellence mirrors that of all the teams in the CCHA and will add to our overall excellence as a league.”

Last month the program hired Minnesota assistant coach Garret Raboin as its first head coach. The school is currently in the midst of building Midco Arena, which will be a state-of-the-art, 3,000-seat arena with multiple suites and other premium seating options. The arena and launch of the program was facilitated by a lead gift from T. Denny Sanford.

“The CCHA supports the continued growth of college hockey and are excited to accept Augustana University as our ninth member,” said CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia. “Sioux Falls is a proven hockey community and the commitment Augustana University is making to Division I hockey is impressive. Our members look forward to assisting Augustana University in their transition to college hockey and the CCHA over the next few years.”

Augustana will be a full voting member immediately and begin a transitional schedule, playing 16 games (one series against each member) in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons before playing a full league schedule beginning with the 2025-26 season.

The process of Augustana joining the league began last year.

“Our planning is focused on what is good for the conference and what will advance the conference,” said CCHA Management Council Chair and Northern Michigan University Director of Athletics Forrest Karr. “Our site visit team went to Augustana University in November and we were impressed with the high-quality academic programs, exceptional athletic facilities and excellent community support. Augustana University is building a sustainable hockey program that will add value to the CCHA and position the conference for future success.”