Introduction
Chris Brooks (born September 19, 1972) is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player. He is currently the head coach for the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point ice hockey program.
College career
Brooks attended Western Michigan University where he played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey with the Western Michigan Broncos, then of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). During his freshman season his outstanding play was recognized when he was selected as the CCHA Rookie of the Year for the 1992–93 season.
Professional career
He turned professional in 1996, joining the Amarillo Rattlers of the Western Professional Hockey League (WPHL) for the league's inaugural 1996–97 season. In his rooking season Brooks led the league in points with 110, and was named the WPHL's most valuable player. He played the 1997–98 season with the Mobile Mysticks of the ECHL, but also skated in four American Hockey League games (including two playoff games) with the Springfield Falcons. Brooks rejoined the Amarillo Rattlers for the 1998–99 season where he led the league by scoring 48 goals. During the 2002–03 season he skated in 11 games with the Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League.
Coaching career
Brooks commenced his coaching career in 1999 when he returned to the Western Michigan Broncos as an assistant coach. He remained with Western Michigan for nine seasons before accepting the position of head coach for the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League starting with the 2008–09 season, a position he held for three seasons. He is currently the head coach of the ice hockey program for University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, a position he has held since 2011.
Awards and honours
| Honours | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| All-CCHA Rookie Team | 1992–93 | |
| CCHA Rookie of the Year | 1992–93 | |
| WPHL Most Points (110) | 1996–97 | |
| WPHL Most Valuable Player | 1996–97 | |
| WPHL Most Goals (48) | 1998–99 |