July 14, 2016
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State men's ice hockey graduate Kenny Brooks (Las Vegas, Nev.) will continue his playing career during the 2016-17 season with the Atlanta Gladiators of the East Coast Hockey League after inking a one-year deal earlier this week.
"We are very happy for Kenny," commented Head Coach Guy Gadowsky. "He is such a versatile player that he can fit in anywhere in any situation."
The Gladiators are the ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins (NHL) and the Providence Bruins (AHL). For more information on the Gladiators visit their website.
Brooks recently completed his most successful campaign on the ice wearing the Blue and White as he skated in all 38 games registering a career-high 23 points on eight goals and 15 assists during the 2015-16 season. The forward had seven multi-point games and his 15 helpers tied for fourth best on the team.
As a member of the first recruiting class to pass through the Penn State men's ice hockey program, the Las Vegas, Nev. native concluded his Nittany Lion career with 48 points on 14 goals and 34 assists in 120 games played.
"I'm very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play college hockey at Penn State," commented Brooks. "Everything from the amazing facilities and athletic staff have prepared me to start my professional career."
Brooks and the rest of his senior classmates raised the bar this past season securing a team-best 21 wins after posting 18 the year before. PSU advanced to the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals this past season while rising as high as 14th in the uscho.com National Poll on numerous occasions.
Brooks marks the seventh member of the 2015-16 squad to sign a professional contract since the season ended joining Curtis Loik (EHC Linz Black Wings), Connor Varley (Manchester Storm), Eamon McAdam (New York Islanders), Luke Juha (Bridgeport Sound Tigers), Eric Scheid (Portland Pirates) and Matthew Skoff (Reading Royals).