NCDC 2024-25 Awards: Idaho Falls’ Raatikainen Named Mountain Division Defensive Forward Of The Year

By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com 

 

The National Collegiate Development Conference congratulates the Idaho Falls Spud Kings’ Jonatan Raatikainen on being named the 2024-25 Mountain Division Defensive Forward Of The Year, as voted in by the division’s coaches. 

“It is an honour to be recognized by the coaches in the division to win this award,” said Raatikainen, a 2004-born native of Kaaro, Finland. 

Raatikainen is a two-year NCDC veteran, having previously played for the former Provo Predators in 2023-24. After putting up 27 points in 52 games last year, he registered 30 points in 45 games with the Spud Kings. He also helped the team to the second lowest team goals against average in the league, 2.21. They were third in fewest shots against per game, averaging 28.61 from opponents.

“I think the way I play and the way I approach the defensive side of the game comes from the coaching staff and wanting to commit to the way they are teaching you to play defense,” said Raatikainen. “The Spud kings helped me to develop throughout the year and become the Defensive Forward Of The Year as there is so much experience and knowledge in the coaching staff.”

That staff experience and knowledge was paired with the players’ own experience, knowledge and skill level, and it all came together throughout the season, culminating with the Spud Kings’ Mountain Division and Dineen Cup Championship titles.

“Winning the Dineen Cup on top of winning the Mountain Division shows the commitment of our team to play the right way and having the discipline to play our system every game,” said Raatikainen. 

He moves on from junior hockey with nothing but appreciation for all of his NCDC coaches and teammates from the past two seasons, and what they did for him to help him develop his game – and in turn help them. 

“Throughout my two years in the NCDC, I had great coaches and players to play with, and it has been a good place for development. To have my last season in juniors with the Spud Kings was unforgettable,” said Raatikainen. “I want to say thank you for all the coaches, staff and fans in Idaho Falls for the season.”