Vikings seek redemption in CCHA quarterfinal rematch

One year after its postseason run ended at the hands of Bemidji State, No. 3-seeded Augustana hockey is back in the same position — with more experience and a program milestone in hand.

The Vikings enter the quarterfinal round of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament with a 20-10-4 overall record (14-8-3 CCHA), marking the first 20-win season in the program’s three-year history. For a team that launched in 2023, the back-to-back quarterfinal appearances signal continued growth and rising expectations.

Last season, Augustana finished 18-13-4 and hosted a playoff series for the first time, ultimately falling 2-1 to Bemidji State. The decisive third game ended in overtime, closing the Vikings’ season just short of a program-first postseason victory.

This year, the opportunity presents itself on home ice again.

“Twenty-win seasons are what any program tries to attain,” head coach Garrett Raboin said. “For us, it’s a great benchmark. Our group wanted to build on last year’s 18 wins and push that number to 20 in the regular season.”

While the milestone demonstrates a measurable step forward, Raboin said the improvement extends beyond the record.

“They’re a different team,” he said. “For the three years we’ve competed, our team — although some of the faces are similar — looks a lot different because of the growth of some individuals. This group has a fresh energy and an excitement for the playoffs.”

Augustana’s success has been fueled by both development and depth. Junior goaltender Josh Kotai has anchored the Vikings in net, earning multiple weekly and monthly conference honors and being named a semifinalist for the Mike Richter Award for the second consecutive season.

“Kotai’s performance this season has propelled him to be one of the best goaltenders in the entire country,” Raboin said. “And he’s earned the accolade.”

Kotai said he embraces the expectations that come with his role.

“I think pressure is a privilege,” Kotai said. “I love to go out and compete every day. Games are just ways to show people what we work on.”

Beyond the crease, Augustana has seen contributions throughout the lineup. Junior Hayden Hennen began the season by earning Defenseman of the Week, and sophomore Easton Young received that same award twice throughout the season. Freshman forward Leonid Bulgakov also earned an award, Rookie of the Week, twice over the course of the season. 

In December, freshman forward Jacob Jastrzebski was named Rookie of the Month, as well as Rookie of the Week during the first week of play. Also in December, junior Brett Meerman earned national and conference recognition as the Hockey Commissioners’ Association Men’s Co-National and CCHA Forward of the Month. 

The Vikings were picked to tie for third in the coaches’ preseason poll and fifth in the media poll, but the 20-win campaign has positioned them firmly among the conference contenders entering postseason play.

The rematch with Bemidji State adds another layer to the quarterfinal matchup. Raboin acknowledged the significance of the moment.

“We are looking forward to postseason play against a familiar opponent,” Raboin said. “It should be an exciting weekend of hockey at Midco Arena as we welcome a team that ended our season last year, and our group is fully aware that our best will be required to play on in the CCHA Tournament.”

Junior forward Will Howard, who has been on the team since its inaugural season, echoed that sentiment, pointing out steady confidence as opposed to added pressure.

“I think the vibe in the locker room didn’t really change much,” Howard said. “We’re obviously pretty excited to play these guys again after ending our season at this point last year. I think the guys are fired up for the playoffs and the opponent doesn’t change that at all. We’re excited for the challenge.”

With a program-best 20 wins, postseason experience and another opportunity on home ice, Augustana now turns its focus to advancing beyond the quarterfinal round for the first time. The progress over three seasons has established a foundation; this weekend offers a chance to build on it.

The best-of-three series will kick off at 7:07 p.m., on Friday, March 6, followed by game two on Saturday, March 7 at 6:07 p.m.. If necessary, game three will be played on March 8 to break a tie.