Garrett Raboin, an assistant coach a Minnesota for the last four seasons, has been named the first head coach at Augustana.
Augustana, which is located in Sioux Falls, S.D., is currently a Division II school but is in the process of moving to Division I. The hockey program – which would be a new program for the school – is set to begin to play with the 2023-24 season.
“We started this process looking for someone who can build a nationally competitive men’s hockey program that competes at Division I and we sure found him,” Josh Morton Augustana Director of Athletics said. “Garrett is a proven winner, excellent recruiter and will help us build community excitement for Augustana hockey. He is a great addition and will add to the excellence of Augustana athletics.”
Raboin is a 2010 graduate of St. Cloud State where he capped his college career as a Lowes Senior Class All-American. He was a three-year captain for SCSU and led the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances. He was a two-time All-WCHA selection. He concluded his career ranked fourth all-time at St. Cloud State in defensive scoring with 83 points (21 goals, 62 assists).
Prior to his time at St. Cloud State, the Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, native skated with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, then played professionally in Europe for two seasons before joining Motzko’s staff at St. Cloud State.
“Garrett Raboin is one of the true rising stars in the hockey world, and Augustana made a terrific choice in selecting him as the first head coach of the Vikings hockey program,” Motzko said. “I have known Garrett for close to 20 years, and I have an immense amount of pride and respect for the coach and person he has become. He has built a remarkable path as a leader, teacher and recruiter at St. Cloud State and now at Minnesota, and it’s certainly special to see his dedication and hard work culminate now with his first head coaching position at Augustana. As a player and a coach, Garrett has earned the respect of everyone he has worked with in the hockey world, and he has given that same respect right back. He is a man of the strongest values, and I can’t think of anyone better suited to lead Augustana’s hockey program on and off the ice.”
Raboin reportedly beat out Minnesota State assistant Todd Knott and AIC head coach Eric Lang.
