The Idaho Falls Spud Kings are heading to a higher level of competition. The organization has officially agreed to join the North American Hockey League (NAHL), a tier-2 league with direct ties to USA Hockey, marking a significant step up from the North American 3 Hockey League (NCDC) where the team has competed in recent seasons.
The Spud Kings are one of five former NCDC programs making the jump together. Joining Idaho Falls in the move are the Ogden Mustangs, Grand Junction River Hawks, Pueblo Bulls, and Billings Cattle Punchers. The group is expected to form a new NAHL Mountain Division, with play set to begin this fall.
A Higher Stage for a Championship Program
The timing of the move comes on the heels of a strong recent stretch for the Spud Kings. Last season, forward Charlie Durkin earned Mountain Division MVP honors in the NCDC and helped lead Idaho Falls to a Dineen Cup championship. Durkin had previously played in the NAHL, giving him firsthand experience at the level the organization is now targeting.
The league transition also resolves what nearly became a roster shakeup. Defenseman and team captain DJ MacLeish had been weighing leaving the Spud Kings ahead of the 2025-26 season specifically to pursue an NAHL opportunity. With the franchise now making the move itself, MacLeish is expected to remain part of the program at the elevated level.
What the Upgrade Means for the Program
Assistant General Manager Chris Hall described the NAHL as offering a “higher level of play” compared to the NCDC — a meaningful distinction in the junior hockey development pipeline. The NAHL’s formal affiliation with USA Hockey gives the league additional credibility and visibility for players looking to advance their careers at the collegiate or professional level.
The formation of a dedicated Mountain Division with regional rivals like Ogden, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Billings should create competitive, geographically sensible matchups for Spud Kings fans in eastern Idaho. The region has demonstrated strong support for amateur hockey, and the upgrade in competition level gives the franchise an opportunity to attract more serious prospects to the roster.
For a community that has embraced its sports identity — from the prep athletics success at Pocatello High School to events like the Idaho High School Rodeo State Finals in Bannock County — the Spud Kings’ ascent to tier-2 hockey adds another chapter to Southeast Idaho’s growing athletic profile.
What Comes Next
The new NAHL Mountain Division is slated to begin play this fall. As roster construction gets underway, all eyes will be on whether Durkin, MacLeish, and other returning pieces can carry their championship-level performance into the more demanding tier-2 environment. Details on scheduling, home ice arrangements, and ticket availability are expected to be announced by the organization in the coming weeks ahead of the fall opener.