SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana hockey head coach Garrett Rabion announced the hiring of Chad Demers and Brandon Wildung as the team's newest assistant coaches. Demers and Wildung join the Vikings after spending time in the United States Hockey League. 

Coach Demers comes to Sioux Falls after a successful 2022-23 season in the USHL as the associate head coach of the Fargo Force. While in Fargo, he helped coach the Force to a record-setting season of 40-14-4-4, and a chance at the Clark Cup. The Grafton, North Dakota, native played for the Force from 2008-11, serving as the team captain in 2010-11. 

Before joining the Fargo Force, Demers made a trip back to his alma mater for the 2021-22 season with the Air Force Academy as their Director of Hockey Operations. While working with one of the youngest teams in the nation, Air Force sported an overall record of 16-17-3. The Falcons earned a first-round bye before sweeping third-seeded Army in the Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinals. They carried their momentum into the semifinals where they defeated four-seeded RIT 4-3 but eventually fell to top-seeded AIC in the championship game. 

"Chad has established himself as one of the top assistant coaches in the USHL," Raboin said.  "His reputation as a tremendous teammate and teacher has led him to this opportunity and we couldn't be more excited to welcome him to Sioux Falls."

Coach Wildung comes to Augustana after spending the past two seasons with the Sioux Falls Stampede as their assistant and goaltending coach. The Nassau, Minnesota, native played collegiately at Mercyhurst University in the AHA, as a four-year starter, he recorded 3,037 saves, six shutouts, and five assists in 103 games. The All-AHA Tournament Team honoree completed his career with a 2.28 goals against average, .916 save percentage, and a career record of 50-40-10. 

Not shy to the area, Coach Wildung spent three seasons coaching the Sioux Falls Power and two seasons with the Sioux Falls Stampede. He also spent his summers training players from the National Hockey League and collegiate levels. 

"Brandon Wildung has been heavily involved across all levels of hockey in the Sioux Falls community," Raboin added.  "He has separated himself through hard work and attention to detail. We're fortunate to have him as part of our men's hockey program and can't wait for him to begin his college coaching career." 

The hiring of Demers and Wildung has completed coach Rabion's coaching staff ahead of the inaugural season joining Taylor Nelson, Brad Amundson, and Jacob Snuggerud.