"I didn't really know if I was getting drafted or not, so it was a really good feeling to be drafted," he said. "I have been looked over my entire life and so was this organization in their first year in the league and they proved a bunch of people wrong. It's the same thing I have been trying to do through my whole entire life, so it's a perfect fit. I couldn't be any happier."
Kruse had never been to Las Vegas prior to taking part in his first development camp. His favorite moment during this trip was seeing "One," the Cirque du Soleil show on Michael Jackson at Mandalay Bay, capping off an experience that exceeded his expectations."It was unbelievable. I learned a lot and have got to do a lot of stuff," he said. "Skating with the pros and acting like a pro this week. It was a whole new experience for me and a lot of fun."
If it wasn't for Kruse's father, Eric, he wouldn't have grown up with hockey. Eric Kruse was a former Michigan State University goalie from 1991-94 and coached Brandon when he first got started with hockey.Before attending Bowling Green State University, Kruse played with the North American Hockey League's Brookings Blizzard, collecting 46 points (16 G, 30 A) through 59 regular seasons games in 2016-17. His freshmen season at Bowling Green, Kruse scored 33 points (8 G, 25 A) through 41 games in the 2017-18. He was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team and ranked second on the team in points, leading team freshmen.
As for Bowling Green connections, Golden Knights general manager George McPhee played there from 1978-82. He was inducted into the Bowling Green Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987 and is just one of three who had their number retired in the program.
Kruse will now return to Bowling Green next season with experience skating with the pros and being a pro hockey player."We worked a lot on skills - hard work, compete, and character. A bunch of elements that help make a pro hockey player a really good pro hockey player," he said. "I am looking to go back and teach my team what I have learned."
