Spuds open Dineen Cup Championship with OT win behind Durkin shutout

WAYNE, N.J. — The Idaho Falls Spud Kings are now two wins away from claiming the Dineen Cup, after earning an overtime victory over the reigning champion South Shore Kings, Friday, at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, N.J.

For 76 minutes, the first game of the Dineen Cup Championship Series was a defensive struggle, with neither goalie blinking. The game’s first goal did not come until there were just four minutes remaining in the first overtime period, when Sam Grimaldi found Ronald Wade, who in turn found the net behind South Shore goaltender Beau Lane.

Lane finished the game with 38 saves on 39 shots on goal, narrowly outmatched by Idaho Falls net-minder Charlie Durkin, who saved all 33 shots he saw leading the Spuds to a 1-0 overtime victory.

Durkin, who was named a National Collegiate Development Conference All-Star, experienced some struggles in the first round of the playoffs, against the Pueblo Bulls, allowing nine goals in three games. Since Game 4 of that opening series though, the Illinois native has surrendered just six goals over the span of seven games (0.86 per game).

Idaho Falls is 6-1 in that stretch.

In support of their goalie, the Mountain Division champion Spud Kings overcame a clean game from South Shore, who were called for just two penalties all game.

Idaho Falls finished the game 0-for-2 on power play opportunities, but killed all four man-advantage chances they allowed.

The double-elimination championship series will continue Friday night, in New Jersey, with the Atlantic Division champion Mercer Chiefs facing the New England Division champion Northern Cyclones.

The winner of that game will face Idaho Falls, Saturday — with puck drop scheduled for 1:30 p.m. MT. The loser will face the wild card winners from South Shore, with the loser being eliminated from the series.

A Dineen Cup Champion will be crowned Sunday.