Michigan State Defenseman Krug Makes NHL Debut with Boston Bruins

Torey Krug became the latest Michigan State Spartan to play in the National Hockey League when he made his pro debut Tuesday night at TD Garden in Boston. He fired two shots on goal and also blocked an opposing attempt, while wearing jersey No. 47, in the Bruins’ 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Krug, a 5’9”, 180-pound defenseman from Livonia, Mich., signed with Boston as a free agent on March 25, just two days after MSU was eliminated from the 2012 NCAA Tournament by Union College at the East Regional in Bridgeport, Conn. He assisted on the Spartans’ lone goal in the 3-1 setback for the final point of his collegiate career.

“Torey has had an outstanding collegiate career at Michigan State,” said Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli to BostonBruins.com following Krug's signing. “He is a very intelligent player who is a terrific skater and shooter. But what stands out the most with Torey is his character. He is a two-time captain and a tremendous competitor. We are thrilled to have signed him and look forward to seeing him contribute to the Bruins.”

In three seasons in East Lansing, Krug, 20, scored 26 goals and added 57 assists for 83 points in 114 appearances. He also tallied 15 power-play goals and seven game-winning goals, and he collected a total of 175 penalty minutes.

He led all Central Collegiate Hockey Association defensemen in scoring this season with 12-22—34 points, which also tied him for the overall conference scoring lead, making him the first CCHA blueliner ever to do so and also earning him CCHA Player of the Year accolades.

An All-CCHA Rookie Team selection as a freshman in 2009-10, Krug was an All-CCHA First Team choice as both a sophomore and a junior, and also served as team captain his final two seasons. As a junior, he was one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top college hockey player in the country in leading MSU to a 19-6-4 record (14-11-3 CCHA). He was also tabbed as the CCHA’s Best Offensive Defenseman his last two seasons.

Defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston is 47-29-4 overall (98 points), and has locked up the second seed in the NHL’s Eastern Conference heading into the start of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs next week. Krug will not be eligible for the postseason because of his late signing, according to the Observer & Eccentric.

“I told Torey a year ago when he didn't get drafted what a great day it was, because now—when you really think about it—very few professional athletes ever get the opportunity in any sport to pick their employer,” said first-year MSU coach Tom Anastos. “He may never get that again, but he got it this time, and that's a great opportunity.”

“I never thought this day would come and be possible,” said Krug before departing East Lansing for Boston. “But with the people that I've been surrounded with over the last three years of my life, it's come true.”

It certainly has.