Brooks, Ross

Despite playing most of his career in the EHL and AHL, Brooks posted good numbers as a goalie in the NHL with the Boston Bruins. He entered the NHL record books in 1972 when he went unbeaten in his first 14 games in the NHL; the record was broken by Patrick Lalime in 1997.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Oct. 17, 1937

Career Highlights:
In 1954, Brooks began his professional hockey career, as a goalie for the Barrie Flyers of the OHA. For the next 13 seasons, he bounced around the minor leagues, waiting for his chance in the NHL. During this time, Brooks played mostly in the EHL and AHL. In 1963-64, he served as the emergency injury replacement goalie for the EHL and played in 16 games for various teams. Towards the end of that season, he signed with the Providence Reds of the AHL and remained with the team until 1970-71. The following year, he played for the Boston Braves of the AHL and won the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award for allowing the fewest goals against average during the season (65).

In 1972, Brooks finally got a chance to play in the NHL and he made the most of the opportunity. As a 36 year-old rookie for the Boston Bruins, he entered the record books by going unbeaten in his first 14 games (11-0-3), tying the record set by Hall of Famer Ken Dryden! Ross finished the season with a record of 11-1-3 and a goals against average of 2.64 for the Bruins (51-22-5, second in the NHL East). That year, he appeared in his only career NHL playoff game, playing only one period and allowing three goals -- the Bruins lost in the first round of the playoffs. Over the next two seasons, Brooks served as the Bruins' backup goalie and played well. He had a combined record of 26-6-3 with a GAA of 2.64. He finished his career with the Rochester Americans of the AHL in 1975-76.

Origin:
Toronto, Ontario

Career Dates:
Brooks played goalie in the NHL for the Boston Bruins from 1972-1975.

Position:
goaltender

Physical description:
5'8", 173 pounds
left-handed

Career Statistics:
In the NHL:
Games: 54

Wins: 37
Losses: 7
Ties: 6

Goals Allowed: 134
Goals Against Average: 2.64
Shut outs: 4

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