One of the top scorers in school history, Chris Brooks has been instrumental in bringing blue chip recruiting classes to Western Michigan in addition to his on-ice instruction.
Brooks was promoted to associate head coach in August 2006 as he embarks on his ninth season as an original member of Jim Culhane’s staff.
WMU’s recruiting classes have produced seven NHL draft picks (Matt Clackson, Chris Frank, Mike Erickson, Pat Dwyer, Vince Bellissimo, Max Campbell, and Ryan Watson). The Broncos’ 2000-01 recruiting class compiled 112 points to rank fifth nationally in freshmen scoring. Last year’s class included freshman standouts Mark Letestu and Riley Gill. Letestu would go on to win CCHA Rookie of the Year and sign a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brooks works closely with Bronco forwards and power play units. Three years ago, he oversaw a power play squad that ranked third in the CCHA with a 21.3 percent conversion rate for all games.
The 35-year-old Stratford, Ont., native also coordinates all the Broncos’ recruiting, prepares scouting reports, evaluates game video and organizes the Bronco Summer Hockey schools. He handles the practice plan and team travel. In addition, Brooks has served as an evaluator for USA Hockey at Michigan Select Festivals since 1999.
"Chris has quietly become one of the top assistants in the CCHA," says Culhane.
"His reputation continues to grow as one of the top recruiters in the league. His evaluation and knowledge of recruits is second to none."
Brooks lettered four seasons at WMU (1992-96) and finished as the eighth-leading scorer in school history, compiling 57 goals and 127 assists for 184 points. A playmaker with excellent on-ice vision, Brooks led WMU in assists four straight seasons and twice captured team scoring titles (1992-93, 1994-95).
He was a member of two NCAA tournament teams at WMU (1993-94, 1995-96) and was recipient of the CCHA’s Rookie of the Year Award in 1993. Brooks also received Honorable Mention CCHA All-Academic status.
Brooks played four years as a professional making stops in the Western Professional (WPHL), East Coast (ECHL), United (UHL) and American (AHL) leagues.
Brooks started his coaching career in the WPHL, serving as a player/coach for the Amarillo Rattlers during the 1998-99 season.
That same year he was named team MVP and appeared in his second WPHL All-Star Game.
Chris received a bachelor’s degree in communications from WMU in 1996.
He is working on a master’s in communications at WMU. He and wife Jeannine, a WMU graduate, are the parents of a daughter Bryar (eight) and a son Barrett (five).
