SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) has granted Augustana University full conference membership starting in the 2024-25 season, one year ahead of schedule.
“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,” Commissioner Don Lucia said in a news release. “The institution’s support of their hockey program across the board has been impressive and allowing them to compete for the MacNaughton Cup and Mason Cup is a reward for their commitment.”
The McNaughton Cup is the trophy awarded annually to the CCHA regular season conference champions. The Mason Cup is the trophy awarded to the champion of the CCHA tournament, the postseason championship event of the CCHA. The winner of the Mason Cup receives an automatic bid to the NCAA D1 men’s ice hockey tournament.
The Vikings went 12-18-4 in their inaugural 2023-24 season, including a 7-7-2 mark against CCHA teams.
The 2025 Mason Cup Playoffs will begin on March 7, with four best-of-3 series. The conference semifinals are set for Saturday, March 15, with the championship game scheduled for Friday, March 21.
