SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana hockey will get a taste of competition both at home and on the road this weekend as the Vikings take on a home-and-home two-game series against the Omaha Mavericks. Puck drop at Midco Arena is set for 7:07 p.m. on Thursday in Sioux Falls while action in Omaha at Baxter Arena will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
 
The Vikings and Mavericks have met each season since the inception of the Augustana men's hockey team. It's a knotted series record at 3-3-0 all-time after the latest meeting in the 2025-26 season ended with a 7-4 win for the Vikings on Friday, Dec. 19 and a 4-1 loss on Saturday, Dec. 20 at Midco Arena.
 
The Mavericks
Omaha has yet to play a regular-season series this season, with its first recorded action set to come against Augustana. The Mavericks took on Air Force and Manitoba in exhibition matches, tallying 4-1 and 9-2 wins, respectively. 11 newcomers alongside 14 returners highlight the 2026-27 team that was picked to finish 10^th in the NCHC preseason poll.
 
The Vikings
Augustana kicked off its 2026-27 regular season slate last week against then-No. 5 Minnesota Duluth and made the most of a season-opening weekend on home ice. Friday saw AU emerge from a tight-knit overtime game with its highest-ranked win in program with the 4-3 victory off a dagger from Brett Meerman. Saturday saw both teams score in the second period, forcing the game into yet another overtime and even further into the shootout where both Meerman and Owen Bohn converted on their attempts
 
Landon Fandel and Mathis Langevin represented Augustana on the weekly CCHA awards, being named Defenseman and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, on Monday for their efforts in the Minnesota Duluth series.