[2] In the summer of 2021, in accordance with plans for Augustana University to raise its athletic programs from NCAA Division II to Division I, the university announced that there was interest in adding a men's ice hockey program.

[3] After receiving donations from several sources, spearheaded by T. Denny Sanford, the school was able to move forward with plans for the program.

On October 5, the school broke ground on the Midco Arena, a $40 million, 3,000-seat venue that the team will use as its home rink.

[4] The Vikings played their first five home games off campus at Denny Sanford Premier Center.

[5] The program is the first varsity ice hockey team at any level to call South Dakota home.