Games of Sept. 19-22, 2024
Forward
Will O’Donovan, Idaho Falls Spud Kings
O’Donovan (‘06/Cambridge, Minn.) scored two goals and added one assist as the Spud Kings came back from being down 3-0 to win 4-3. His two goals began the comeback with just 5:42 remaining in the third period.
Defense: Lucas Karlsson, Idaho Falls Spud Kings
The second-year Spud Kings blueliner Karlsson (‘05/Koping, Sweden) put up a pair of assists as the Spud Kings engineered the above-mentioned epic comeback in Game 1 of the season against the same Ogden Mustangs program that ended their 2024 playoffs.
Goaltender: Ryan Henry, Casper Warbirds
The NCDC veteran Henry (‘04/Wayne, N.J.) earned the Warbirds’ first-ever NCDC victory, making 42 saves on 44 shots as the Warbirds beat the Rock Springs Grizzlies, 3-2, in overtime.
Rookie: Charlie Durkin, Idaho Falls Spud Kings
Durkin (‘06/Glencoe, Ill.) held the fort like an old pro – never mind a first-time junior – while his team completely turned around their season opener from a 3-0 deficit to a 4-3 win. Then, he took on the same Mustangs in front of the usual packed house in Idaho Falls and stopped all 33 shots he faced for his first junior shutout a night after his first junior win.
Honorable Mention
Rookie: Sean Boltin, Casper Warbirds
– Summaries by Joshua Boyd (NCDCHockey.com)
