Friday night at the Steve Kerr Memorial Arena will be extra special for a local family.
Listowel/Wallace Minor Hockey product and Gowanstown native Callum Brooks will suit up for his first ever GOHL game as a 15-year-old, playing for the team his dad Jason coached to great success for many years. Callum, who is playing forward for the GTHL's Toronto Jr. Canadians this season, says it will be a pretty surreal experience.
"It's really exciting. Going to all the games growing up, it's pretty cool that I'm going to get to play in a game for them on Friday night," Callum said excitedly.
Jason Brooks coached the Cyclones to their second ever Cherrey Cup title in 2016-17 before winning another Cherrey Cup and the franchise's first ever Sutherland Cup the year after. Callum is a top ranked prospect for the OHL draft next year, and previously played in the Huron-Perth Lakers program.
In 30 games last season for the Huron-Perth Lakers AAA U16 team, Brooks posted 18 goals and 35 assists for 53 points. The 5'10", 148 lb forward describes himself as a reliable, smart two-way player who can make plays and score when he has a chance to shoot it. He also says he takes pride in playing well defensively. With respect to playing for a franchise that his own dad occupies legendary status with, Callum says his first chance to pull on a Cycs jersey will be extremely special.
"For sure it is, it will be a special night for me and my family. Being around the rink for so many years as a kid, it's really cool," he added.
When asked what dad Jason, who was an intense but extremely well respected coach, is like as a hockey dad, Callum chuckled a bit.
"He's awesome. He can be hard on you sometimes, for sure, but he's also really supportive. He's great to talk to after games, and he's obviously taught me a lot."
A common refrain when former players talk about Jason the coach. In terms of looking ahead to likely hearing his name called pretty early in the 2027 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Callum says his focus is on getting better everyday this year and letting the chips fall where they may.
"It's cool to see it coming but, I just want to help my team win and hopefully that just takes care of itself," he said.
Spoken like a true Brooks. Callum will make his debut against the Strathroy Rockets at 7:30 p.m. October 30 at the Steve Kerr Memorial.
