Brooks signs first NHL deal with Leafs
Former Regina Pats captain Adam Brooks is enjoying a signature moment in his hockey career.
It was announced Thursday that Brooks had signed a three-year entry level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who picked him in the fourth round of last year’s NHL draft.
“I was pretty shaky when I was signing the paper,” he said with a laugh from his home in Winnipeg.
“It was definitely exciting and pretty surreal. You talk about a lifetime of hard work. That’s what it was, not only by me but by my family as well. They sacrificed a lot in order for me to get to that point.”
Brooks doesn’t take those sacrifices for granted.
“You think about all the times that your parents rushed home from work to take you to hockey or set up rides for you,” he said.
“All the times they’d put you in camps or summer training, things like that. Now that (the contract) is done, you get a chance to think about those things but you have to keep moving forward and create new memories and keep this hockey thing going as long as possible.”
As Brooks prepares to turn the page, he’s also looking back at his time with the Pats. The 21-year-old centre spent his entire five-year junior career with the WHL club, concluding the journey on May 14 when Regina was eliminated by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the league final.
“The way that the Regina Pats have helped me develop is the reason I’m here,” said Brooks, who’s among the franchise leaders in games played (third with 317) and points (ranked 10th with 335).
“All five years taught me a little bit about myself and taught me stuff about the game as well. Without the coaches, my teammates and everyone in that organization, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Regina is a huge part of my life and always will be.”
Brooks admitted it’ll be “very weird” this fall when he departs for the Leafs camp instead of packing up for the five-hour drive to Regina. That said, he’s pleased to get the contract done and provide some clarity heading into his first pro season.
“In junior, you know you’re going back every year,” he said.
“That was the case for me last year when I went to camp (with Toronto). I knew no matter what happened I had a spot in Regina. Obviously, that’s not possible anymore. I was kind of on the edge of my seat (waiting for the contract). Now I know I’m going to be playing in the organization somewhere, whether it be the AHL or the (ECHL). You never really know.”
Brooks is slated to leave next week for Toronto’s summer development camp. It’ll provide him with an opportunity to set the tone for rookie camp this fall and, hopefully, a spot in main camp.
“They probably have an idea of where they see me fitting,” he said. “Ultimately, you want to go in and put your best foot forward and make a good impression. You’re their property for three years and you want to get off on the right foot.”
Thursday’s news was a good start.
“Ever since you’re a little kid you want to try to make your way into the NHL,” he added.