Feb. 12, 2014
By Michael Renahan, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK Pa. - It's never been a challenge to spot Kenny Brooks on the ice. He's normally the high-flying forward ready to crash into the boards to win a 50-50 puck.
And while Hockey Valley knows him as a forward, there is more to Kenny Brooks' game than ripping shots, had checks and setting a tone physically.
During Saturday night's 4-0 win against No. 10 Michigan, the Nittany Lions suffered two injuries on the blue line as both Nate Jensen and Luke Juha had to leave the game.
This wasn't something new for head coach Guy Gadowsky and his staff. Last year, they played almost half the season with just four guys in the defensive rotation due to injuries.
Gadowsky, however, didn't want to just use four guys on this night. He decided to move a forward back to the blue line to help solidify his defense. The guy that came to mind as a potential defenseman for the bench boss was Brooks.
Brooks had some defensive experience from his time in the USHL when he played for the Tri-City Storm. However, he still had to make the mental adjustment to defense in the middle of an intense game against the talented Wolverines.
"At first I was pretty nervous," Brooks admitted. "It's kind of tough make that adjustment in the middle of the game without practicing certain things. I was pretty nervous at first, but then I calmed down and just played."
Brooks calmed down quickly and began to settle into his role as a defender. He was still able to play aggressively and pursue pucks in the corners while setting the same physical tone he is used to.
His fellow Nittany Lions noticed his play and were impressed with their teammate.
"I know it's something that was in his past," said forward Casey Bailey. "I played against him and I knew him the year before in the USHL and he had to make the same transition there. I think its something coach always knew he had if he needed it. I think Kenny was always prepared for that moment if it did happen. He's very solid back there."
Even from the blue line Brooks was still able to register an assist and rip four shots against the Michigan defense. The Las Vegas, Nev., native actually is second on the team with 73 shots, trailing only Casey Bailey who has 89.
Brooks' style of play caught the eye of his head coach, too.
"He played better than I even thought," Gadowsky said. "Just watching his shifts on D today, I was a forward so I like watching forwards and saying, `hey that was a good play' or `I could have done that.' There is no way I could have done what Kenny Brooks did ever.
"To have a forward move back and play so well, both moving the puck in unfamiliar situations and play so well defensively was amazing. I don't know how he does it. I know he did play some in junior, but he's really good."
After the game Saturday Gadowsky was quick to praise the play of Brooks calling his performance "fantastic" among other compliments.
For Brooks, however, this is just another day at the office. His role within the team is constantly changing and the forward has to always adjust to something new.
Becoming a defender mid-game is just another role Kenny Brooks can check off on his hockey resume.
"Like I said, I have done it in games before so many times, so I've had some experience at it," Brooks said. "I was able to switch over by the third period and get things going a bit."
As of right now, Brooks has two goals and four assists for six points. Those six points rank No. 11 on the team. He has already matched his goal production from last season and is just one game away from tying his career-high in games played.
The Nittany Lions return to the ice this weekend when they take on another Big Ten Rival in Michigan State. You can bet Kenny Brooks will be on the ice for the blue and white, but who knows in what capacity.
Brooks, as his coach says, is certainly an "amusing" guy.