Before joining the Walleye, Kruse spent time with the Bowling Green State University of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) from 2017/18 to 2020/21, producing 38 goals and 104 assists for 142 points in 151 games. He then spent time with Boston College of the NCAA, contributing three goals and 38 assists for 42 points in 38 games. That same season, he turned pro by skating in three games with the Hendeson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League (AHL).

He would then play the 2022-23 season with the Newfoundland Growlers of the ECHL, recording seven goals and 37 assists for 44 points in 69 games.

Last season, his first as a member of the Toledo Walleye, he provided a spark and secondary scoring by playing a critical middle-six role. He would score 18 goals and 36 assists for 54 points in 70 games. His offensive production would continue in the playoffs, scoring four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 14 games.

Brandon Kruse hits the empty net. Riley Sawchuk with three assists on the night. @ToledoWalleye will force Game 6 on Monday. #ECHL pic.twitter.com/pDfUYVTezw

— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) May 26, 2024

The 5-foot-9 and 170-pound Kruse is a Saline, Michigan native. He finished last season on a roll, scoring two goals and two assists for four points in his final five games and three goals and five assists for eight points in his last 10 games. Kruse was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the fifth round (#135) of the 2018 NHL Draft. Vegas drafted him a pick ahead of the New Jersey Devils’ young star, Akira Schmid.