Ashley Krug Receives Outstanding Athletic Trainer Recognition Award

SAINT PETER, Minn. – Gustavus Adolphus College graduate assistant athletic trainer Ashley Krug was recently honored with the Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Outstanding Athletic Trainer Recognition Award. Krug was nominated for the honor after the steps she took to provide care to Gustie women’s hockey player Kaitlyn Klein who broke her neck during an early season game in Vermont.

“The great care Ashley provided made her stand out and deserving of this award,” said Gustavus Head Athletic Trainer Troy Banse. “As professionals, we try to learn the subtle things that make our care better, and Ashley is always striving to be the best clinical athletic trainer that she can be.”

After seeing Klein crash head first into the boards in a November 29 game against Plattsburgh State, Krug responded to Klein on the ice and after assessing her condition, took the correct steps to spine-board Klein and call for an ambulance. 

“Instantly, I had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right,” said Krug. “Kaitlyn thought it was just something with her arm and wanted to get back up and play, but after assessing her, it obviously turned out to be more than an arm injury and was something we needed to be very careful with. She wasn’t happy with me at the time, but I think she’s happy with me now.”

Klein has reason to be joyous, as she received medical clearance from her doctor this past week that allows her to return to the ice in non-contact situations. An upcoming CT Scan could also eventually fully clear Klein to return to full-contact action with her teammates for the 2016-17 season.

“The fact that there aren’t any setbacks to this point is pretty astronomical,” said Krug. “This has been a long journey for Kaitlyn, so for her to be cleared to get back on the ice is awesome – I’m really excited for her.”

For now, Krug can be pleased that her care and attention to detail on that November afternoon has made a significant impact in Klein’s healing process and overall well-being. And while she doesn’t necessarily like the attention of receiving the MATA’s award, she’s proud that she was able to make a difference.

“When I received the award, for the first time in my life, I was pretty speechless,” said Krug. “It feels great to receive an award like this, and I hope I’ve made Gustavus proud. I obviously don’t wish an injury like this on anyone, but there couldn’t have been a better kid with a more positive spirit for this to happen to.”