The St. Louis Jr. Blues, proud members of the NA3HL, are pleased to announce that 2019-20 team captain and defenseman Mason Kruger has committed to play college hockey at Lindenwood University. The Lions, from St. Charles, Mo., play ACHA Division I hockey in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League: before the 2019-20 ACHA season was ended, they were ranked #3 in the country.
A 5’9”, 165 lb native of Alpharetta, Ga., Kruger joined the Jr. Blues last season and was an impact player from his first game. In 75 regular-season games, he found the back of the net five times and recorded 42 assists, good for 47 points and a total plus-minus rating of +46. He also was a member of the 2020 NA3HL Central Division Top Prospects team, where he played in all three games and scored one assist.
“Mason’s a complete package of a defenseman,” said Jr. Blues head coach Chris Flaugher. “He’s strong in both zones, useful on special teams, and most importantly mentally tough and intelligent on and off the ice. He’s fought through injuries and setbacks that would have made a lesser player fold, and we were proud to have him as our captain this year. We wish him all the best at Lindenwood.”
Kruger is the Jr. Blues’ fifth college commitment this season, and far from the first alumnus to make the trip on Interstate 70 to Lindenwood, as several former Jr. Blues have had and continue to have success for the Lions.
