SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The No. 16 Augustana Vikings return home this weekend as it hosts Lake Superior State in a key conference weekend series. 

The puck hits the ice on Friday at 7:07 p.m. and Saturday at 6:07 p.m. Fans can tune into the action on Midco Sports Plus or follow the live stats at GoAugie.com/Live.

Augustana will have a slew of promotional events this weekend. On Friday, Augustana hosts Faith Night and a Gold Out. In Saturday's affair, the Vikings celebrate Fan Appreciation Night and will be giving away trading cards with team autographs to follow. On Saturday, the Elmen Lot and Soberg Lot will include free parking.

Complete action can be followed on GoAugie.com/Live and the GoAugie app, presented by The Original Pancake House. The app can be downloaded in the App Store or Google Play.

Series History
Augustana and Lake Superior State have played a total of six times since the inaugural season in 2023-24. The Vikings hold an overall record of 4-2 against the Lakers. Earlier this season, Augustana split with LSSU on the road. Augustana fell in game one of the weekend series, 2-1, before it secured the split in game two, 2-1.

The Lakers
Lake Superior State has posted a 9-16-1 overall record and a 6-12-0 mark in CCHA play through late January. 

LSSU is averaging 2.42 goals per game while allowing 3.12, with opponents holding an edge in shot volume and scoring efficiency. The Lakers have blocked 355 shots on the season, averaging nearly 14 per game, and have remained competitive in faceoffs with a .492 winning percentage. Special teams have produced 15 power-play goals on 81 opportunities, while the penalty kill has allowed 20 power-play goals.

Offensively, Calem Mangone leads the Lakers with 18 points on nine goals and nine assists in 26 games. William Ahlrik has matched that production with six goals and 12 assists, providing consistent scoring and strong faceoff numbers. Ryan Beck has added 15 points, including four goals and 11 assists, while logging minutes in key situations.

In goal, Rorke Applebee has carried the bulk of the workload, starting 20 games and posting a 2.60 goals-against average with a .925 save percentage. He recorded a season-high 44 saves in a road game at St. Thomas and has kept the Lakers within reach in several one-goal contests.

The Vikings
 Augustana holds a 16-7-3 overall record and a 10-5-3 mark in CCHA play through late January. The Vikings have been especially effective at home, where they are 11-1-3.

Augustana has outscored opponents 75-54 on the season, averaging 2.88 goals per game while allowing just 2.08. The Vikings have paired steady five-on-five play with efficient special teams, converting .218 percent of their power-play opportunities while holding opponents to just nine power-play goals. Defensively, Augustana has blocked more than 300 shots and limited scoring chances in key moments.

Offensively, Brett Meerman leads the Vikings with 20 points on nine goals and 11 assists in 25 games. Leonid Bulgakov has been the team's top goal scorer, recording 11 goals on a team-best .234 shooting percentage. Owen Baumgartner has provided consistent production from the blue line, totaling 13 assists while playing key minutes in all situations.

In goal, Josh Kotai has been a stabilizing force for Augustana. He owns a 14-7-3 record with a 2.07 goals-against average, a .931 save percentage and four shutouts.