Playing career

Undrafted and out of college from the University of Wisconsin, Brooks took his game to Jokerit of the Finnish First League. The New Jersey Devils, attracted to Brooks' tough defensive play, signed the defenseman to an entry-level contract. Brooks spent four years with the Devils' minor league affiliate, the Albany River Rats. When veteran center Pascal Rheaume was traded, Brooks was named captain, and held that post even after the team relocated to Lowell.

In the 2006-07 season, when several Devils were injured, including Colin White, Johnny Oduya, and Brad Lukowich, Brooks was called up, playing 19 games and scoring 1 assist to go along with 4 PIM. Then, in a game against the St. Louis Blues, Brooks broke his foot, and was subsequently sent back to Lowell, and was replaced by Andy Greene. He returned to Lowell and regained his post as captain. Andy Greene flourished, and thus, Brooks was left in Lowell.

On August 9, 2007, Brooks signed on with the St. Louis Blues. However, with chances limited, Brooks provided a veteran presence in Peoria, the Blues minor league squad. He played one season with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL before returning to Finland and Jokerit for the 2009-10 season.

Brooks played his final professional season with Karlskrona HK of the Swedish Division 1 in 2010-11 before retiring and joining the Chicago Blackhawks staff as a pro scout.

Career statistics

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1993-94	Wisconsin Capitols	USHL		13	3	11	14	6		—	—	—	—	—
1994-95	Madison West	USHS		24	13	28	31	12		—	—	—	—	—
1995-96	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL		43	3	22	25	213		—	—	—	—	—
1997-98	University of Wisconsin	WCHA		40	1	4	5	72		—	—	—	—	—
1998-99	University of Wisconsin	WCHA		37	0	3	3	73		—	—	—	—	—
1999-00	University of Wisconsin	WCHA		41	4	10	14	78		—	—	—	—	—
2000-01	University of Wisconsin	WCHA		41	3	16	19	76		—	—	—	—	—
2001-02	Jokerit	SM-l		53	1	3	4	109		12	0	0	0	11
2002-03	Albany River Rats	AHL		66	0	7	7	56		—	—	—	—	—
2003-04	Albany River Rats	AHL		77	2	6	8	100		—	—	—	—	—
2004-05	Albany River Rats	AHL		63	0	6	6	83		—	—	—	—	—
2005-06	Albany River Rats	AHL		58	1	4	5	81		—	—	—	—	—
2006-07	Lowell Devils	AHL		21	0	2	2	6		—	—	—	—	—
2006-07	New Jersey Devils	NHL		19	0	1	1	4		—	—	—	—	—
2007-08	Peoria Rivermen	AHL		70	0	8	8	90		—	—	—	—	—
2008-09	Chicago Wolves	AHL		50	0	10	10	58		—	—	—	—	—
2009-10	Jokerit	SM-l		25	2	3	5	53		1	0	0	0	0
2010-11	Karlskrona HK	Div.1		11	0	2	2	10		10	0	4	4	8
NHL totals				19	0	1	1	4		—	—	—	—	—

Awards and honors

Award	Year
All-WCHA Third Team	1999-00

[ Source: Wikipedia ]