Left-winger Paul Kruse used his good size to carve a niche for himself as a gritty forward in the NHL. He played solid defense while working tirelessly along the boards and in the corners wearing down the opposition.
Born in Merrit, B.C., Kruse played junior with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL from 1988 to 1990. He was selected 83rd overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He spent most of his first three pro seasons with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the IHL but did see action in 44 games for Calgary in the span.
Kruse joined the Flames on a regular basis in 1993-94 adding an important physical dimension to a team that finished with 95 points. Oddly enough, he set a personal high with eleven goals in the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season. He continued to play a gritty style for the Flames until he was traded to the New York Islanders in November 1996. He joined the Buffalo Sabres late in the1997-98 schedule and was a useful grinder until losing his place on the roster early in 1999-2000.