In Memory Of...
Numerous individuals have dedicated their lives to this game and our organization. Their service to hockey, the Junior Gold High School League, and Minnesota's youth has truly made a difference, and we will be forever grateful to their families for sharing them with us.
BRUCE KRUEGER (1940-2016)
Bruce Kruger grew up in Faribault, MN, where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Patricia Kruger. He attended Harvard University and the University of Minnesota Law School. He worked as an attorney in private practice for many years in Duluth and Minneapolis, MN, and then worked as a Probate Referee for Hennepin County for nearly two decades.
Known for his fair yet firm and kind demeanor, Bruce had a vibrant passion for hockey and connecting with people that fueled over 45 years of service as a youth hockey volunteer.
Bruce’s first involvement with ice hockey was as a youth coach in Duluth. Upon moving to the Minnetonka area, Bruce continued coaching for six more seasons before moving into administrative roles as a team manager and the association’s travel team coordinator.
Bruce also moved on as his kids graduated from the youth and high school levels, agreeing to serve as the Assistant Director for District 6 in the early 1990s. Bruce formed the Metro Hockey League for Junior Gold (formerly Juvenile) players shortly after.
From the moment he got involved with Junior Gold hockey, Bruce was enthralled with the idea of providing that age group of young men with a viable and well-respected league to play in. Bruce played an instrumental role in initially launching the league, as well as developing the Metro League All-Star Game and the Wes Barrett and 19U scholarship programs. Although his official title was Treasurer, Bruce provided leadership and guidance in numerous areas, including serving on the Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors.
Only a couple of years after joining the Metro Hockey League, Bruce also agreed to serve as the Minnesota District Risk Manager for USA Hockey, which he would serve for over 20 years. Shortly after, he also got involved in Minnesota Hockey’s Screening Committee. Bruce was adamant that youth players in Minnesota should have a safe environment to enjoy this great game.
Even though his responsibilities over time, Bruce never lost his passion for the Metro Hockey League. Bruce believed this level of hockey was more about learning life skills rather than gaining hockey skills, and providing the right environment for these players would make our community better off down the road.
Finding someone more passionate about ice hockey than Bruce would be hard. His unwavering integrity, unique sense of humor, and relentless pursuit of providing a safe and fun hockey experience positively impacted everyone he interacted with.