TOREY KRUG
Michigan State
So. | D | Livonia, Mich.
As a freshman, Krug scored three goals and 21 points, helping Michigan State to an eight-place jump in the CCHA standings from 2008-09.
Key Statistics: Unlike many of the CCHA blueliners featured in INCH’s A-Z over the past few years, Krug wasn’t blessed with size, but he makes up for it in every other area of his game. The sophomore-to-be burst onto the scene with a 3-18—21 line that included two game-winning goals. Krug finished the season with a four-game point streak, setting him on the right track to have an even bigger offensive impact this coming season.
What He Does: Krug does it all, and does it all surprisingly well. The Spartans’ coaching staff knew they could count on him to develop into a power-play quarterback and offensive catalyst, but were pleasantly surprised at how well he adjusted to his defensive responsibilities in the college game. In addition to becoming one of the team’s top-line defensemen, Krug has quickly become the “heartbeat” of the locker room because his teammates respect his hockey sense and his ability to make the big play — be it a hit, a goal or anything else — right when his team needs it the most.
The Bigger Picture: With former partner Jeff Petry headed off to Edmonton’s system, Krug will become the de facto leader of Michigan State’s defensive corps going forward. What was an extremely young group two years ago has now had time to mature in Michigan State’s rise from a tie for 10th place two seasons ago to second place last year, and a lot will be expected of them as defense takes on added importance with the departure of two key forwards — Corey Tropp and Andrew Rowe. Krug shouldn’t have any problem being the leader of this group both on and off the ice, as he has done the same on winning teams at every level of hockey that he’s played.
Michigan State Associate Head Coach Brian Renfrew: “I think the whole staff thought that he’d have an impact offensively and on the power play. But he surprised us with how good he was in 5-on-5 play. He never needed to be protected, and he was playing with Jeff Petry 24 or 25 minutes a game.”
