Bob Brooke

Bob Brooke was an honest, hard working role player who had the versatility to play all positions, including defense, though was used primarily at center and on right wing. Nowadays he is one of the brightest minds in the business world.

An economics major from Yale (where he also played shortstop on the baseball team), Brooke joined the New York Rangers after a season with the United States national team in 1983. The Melrose, Massachusetts native would enjoy his finest statistical season in his second season with the Rangers, scoring 24 goals and 44 points. The Rangers traded Brooke to Minnesota early in 1986. Brooke would enjoy 3 and 1/2 seasons with Minny before splitting his final NHL season with the Stars and New Jersey Devils in 1989-90.

In total, the former NCAA All American and 1983 Hobey Baker finalist played in 447 NHL contests, scoring 69 goals and 97 assists for 166 points. He also added 9 goals and 9 assists in 34 playoff games, as well as representing the US National team at two World Championships and two Canada Cup tournaments.

That is an amazing career, but the highlight might have been representing USA at the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo. 

Brooke was a splendid skater with lots of strength, speed and balance. At 6'1" and 205 lbs, he combined his speed and great upper body strength to ceaselessly work in the corners. A solid faceoff man, Brooke also had excellent hockey sense which he used to become a good defensive stalwart.

With such gifts as speed, strength and hockey sense, you are probably wondering why Bob Brooke never became much of a scorer. The reason for that is he had terrible hands. He didn't possess a great shot and even had trouble taking and receiving passes. Too bad, because Brooke was a splendid team player who deserved better individual statistics than he had in his 6 year NHL career.

Brooke spent many off-seasons working on Wall Street and Boston area banks. After retiring from hockey, Brooke earned his MBA from Harvard. He returned to the Boston area to work in the banking industry.