The Shreveport Mudbugs, proud members of the North American League, are pleased to announce that Forward Kieran Durgan has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the United States Air Force Academy starting in the 2018-2019 season. Air Force is a member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference.
“Kieran has earned this commitment and we congratulate him,” Head Coach Karlis Zirnis said. “Like so many of our players, Durgs came to our main camp last July with something to prove. He is an everyday guy who leads by example on and off the ice. He trains right, practices right and plays right. Air Force is getting an incredibly well-rounded young man.”
Durgan just completed a very successful second season in the NAHL, finishing the 2016-2017 campaign with 18 goals, 29 assists and 47 total points. His sophomore NAHL season saw the St. John’s, MI native take leaps from 2015-2016, when Durgan tallied 9 points in 45 games with the Aberdeen Wings. The future Cadet was named NAHL South Division Star of the Week on two occasions and was an assistant captain during the Mudbugs’ inaugural NAHL season.
Prior to embarking on his junior career, Durgan competed in the NAPHL for the former Lansing Capitals program, which has since become “Meijer AAA.” Coach Zirnis calls Durgan a “true home grown” player and says his commitment is something that both the Mudbugs and the North American Hockey League should be proud of.
“Durgs came up through the NAPHL and played most of his competitive travel hockey in the Lansing program. He stayed in one place and honed his skills in a stable environment. He is a classic example of what our league is all about- passion, dedication and commitment to developing as a player, athlete and person. Kieran has been impatient with his work ethic and drive, but he has been patient with the development process. I know he will continue to be that way as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.”
The entire Mudbugs organization joins Coach Zirnis in congratulating Kieran on his college commitment.