Spud Kings’ Durkin Named NCDC Fans Choice MVP And Goaltender Of The Year

By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com 

The people have spoken, and the 2024-25 NCDC Fans Choice MVP and Goaltender Of The Year is the Idaho Falls’ Spud Kings’ Charlie Durkin. 

Durkin was a huge leader in the crease for the 2024-25 Dineen Cup Champion Spud Kings, so it comes as no surprise that both the coaches voted him in as the Mountain Division MVP and Goaltender of the Year and now the general public has also had their say on his game. 

“I am unbelievably grateful. All the fans this year have shown nothing but love and support. Idaho falls is a special place to play and I will never forget my time there,” said Durkin, a 2006-born native of Glencoe, Ill. 

Durkin joined the Spud Kings out of the prestigious Chicago Mission program and immediately made an impact, especially with the 4,000-plus fans that the Spud Kings play in front of at their home games. He played the most games of any NCDC goaltender at 38, and he had the most wins as well with 28. Durkin also ranked second among goaltenders in save percentage with at least 18 games played at .932, and he was second in the same grouping in goals against average (1.96). 

He even further elevated his game in the playoffs with nine wins, a save percentage of .958 and a goals against average of 1.21 en route to the Spud Kings’ first Dineen Cup title. 

“I get chills and goosebumps thinking about it,” he said. “We will walk together forever as a team, it truly is a special type of bond. It was the coolest feeling to be able to share that accomplishment with all the people who have supported us the entire year. The fans are just as much a part of it as we are.”

Durkin’s game is obviously already at an elite level, as judging from the stats above, and the end result of a playoff championship. However, everyone can always get better and Durkin is working hard this summer as he hopes to continue to attract attention from NCAA schools towards a bright future at that level. 

“There are a few things that I am improving this off season. My mental side of my game – that includes my meditation, visualization, positivity, gratefulness, and my high belief in myself,” he said. “The second thing I am improving is my pace and speed, and continuing to get faster on the ice to make saves side to side. The third thing is continuing to get stronger and be in the best shape possible for next season. Lastly, I am perfecting my recovery, dialing in my sleep and diet, using red light therapy, sauna, and cold plunge to get me ready for my next workouts.”

Durkin is already in conversation with many schools about his future beyond junior hockey, and he is excited to see what this next year will bring. 

“Yes, I am talking to several schools. It is a super-exciting process and I am so grateful to get it started!”

The NCDC congratulates Charlie Durkin for his 2024-25 Fans Choice Awards.