Texas Tornado Goaltender Jim Kruger Named NAHL Goaltender of the Month
Published on November 5, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Texas Tornado News Release
Texas Tornado goaltender Jim Kruger named NAHL Goaltender of the Month Perfect record and team success helps Minnesota native net prestigous honor
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced that Texas Tornado goaltender Jimmy Kruger has been named the SBK Hockey Goaltender of the Month for the months of September/October. Kruger, from Minnetonka, Minn., fashioned a perfect 8-0 record in eight September/October appearances, including a 20-save shutout performance over the Topeka RoadRunners on Oct. 2. Kruger and the Tornado host the New Mexico Mustangs on Friday, November 5th and Saturday, November 6th both at 7:30pm at the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco. Tickets for the games are still available at the box office, by calling 972-335-9800 or at www.tornadohockey.com
The 18-year-old Kruger, who played one game with the Alexandria Blizzard this season before being acquired by the Tornado, also holds an NAHL-best 1.63 goals-against average to compliment a .933 save percentage. "Jimmy has worked very hard since his arrival to become a better goalie and a better athlete and he's helped solidify our defense, which is already a solid group," said Tornado head coach Tony Curtale, whose team is riding a 10-game winning streak. "He has great size (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) and ability and makes key saves during key moments of the game, which is so important. We're very hopeful that, with continued success, he'll join the long line of Tornado goaltenders who have had success at the collegiate and professional levels."
Kruger, who stopped pucks for Minnetonka High School last season and helped lead the Skippers to the championship game of the Class AA state tournament, is thankful for his opportunity with the Tornado. "I love it down here," he said. "The atmosphere, the camaraderie of the guys in the locker room, the coaching, the facilities... everything is first-class and I'm happy I have a chance to play. We have a great team defense and everyone contributes, so it makes my job a little easier to know the guys have my back. I just want to keep getting better everyday."
North American Hockey League Stories from November 5, 2010
- Bobcats Top Owatonna in Shootout 3-2 - Bismarck Bobcats
- Warriors blank TC, 4-0 - Traverse City North Stars
- Tornado blank Mustangs for 11th straight win - Texas Tornado
- IceRays Nipped Late By Wildcats, 4-2 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Corpus Christi Inks Defenseman Colton Saucerman; Releases Gleason - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Texas Tornado Goaltender Jim Kruger Named NAHL Goaltender of the Month - Texas Tornado
- Marco Wieser Named Fine Jewelry Outlet Player of the Month - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Wild Explodes for Eight Goals: Jaeger Records First Shutout of Season - Wenatchee Wild
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