Gary Kruzich (1994) - Hall of Fame - Bowling Green State University Athletics

Gary Kruzich

Induction:
1994
Class:
1987

Gary Kruzich was one of the driving forces - as a freshman - on the 1983-84 hockey team which captured the national title. He posted a 21-5-2 record and a 2.87 goals-against in his initial season earning NCAA Tournament MVP honors backstopping the Falcons to a 2-1 semifinal win over Michigan State and the memorable 5-4 win in the title game over Minnesota-Duluth.

Kruzich was a first team All-CCHA selection as a junior and senior while also earning first team All-American honors his final two seasons. Kruzich is one of the only two players (Brian Hills is the other) in the history of the program to earn first team national honors twice.

His 88 career wins stood as the NCAA record until Michigan's Steve Shields surpassed that total during the 1993-94 season. The Oak Lawn, Illinois native, who finished his career with a 3.43 goals-against and a .899 save percentage, played two seasons with Flint in the International Hockey League before starting his own business.

Gary Kruzich was elected to the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.