Prospect Watch: Josh Brook
(Story courtesy Marc Smith, DiscoverMooseJaw.com) Josh Brook has a pretty big role in the future of the Moose Jaw Warriors, which worried many when he missed the first month of the season due to an injury.
The 15-year-old defenceman has put those worries to rest however since returning to the Notre Dame Hounds’ lineup at the end of October.
“I’m feeling good, starting to get back in shape and stuff, and feeling great,” said Brook, who was taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. “Just getting back in shape has been the biggest thing, skating and my normal day life.”
Brook opened his Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League season on October 28th and has since posted two goals and five points over eight games.
The best sign of his return to form came against the Moose Jaw Generals on November 5th, Brook took the puck in his own end, flew through the neutral zone and while cutting across the top of the slot, unleashed a wrist shot that most WHL goalies would have trouble stopping.
It was his first goal of the season and a highlight reel one at that against the team he expects to be sharing a home with next season.
“I’m really starting to be able to use my skating ability to create offence,” said Brook after that game. “I just need to keep my head up and watching for plays, and I’m working on that every day.”
Brook got his first taste of the WHL in August when he suited up for the Warriors in a pair of preseason contests after going through training camp with the team. He said that was an eye opening experience for him.
“It was a big confidence booster to see how much you have to improve to play at that level,” said Brook. “I need to get bigger and stronger to play with the older guys.
“I’m definitely feeling like if I keep working hard that I can push for a spot (on the team next season).”
Brook should get a chance to show what he can do with the Warriors at some point during the regular season this year as well. He’s eligible to play up to five games before the end of his midget AAA season and with Notre Dame being a stone throw away from Moose Jaw, Brook said he’s looking forward to it if that opportunity comes.
“It’s great that I’m that close and hopefully I get a chance,” he said.
Following in the footsteps of Morgan Rielly, Brook is playing with the storied Hounds program after spending his bantam season there as well. He loves being able to focus on hockey at the school in Wilcox.
“It’s definitely nice to have the atmosphere here, it’s all hockey all the time,” Brook said. “I feel like I’m improving every day.”
Brook and the Hounds are back in action on Thursday when they host the Swift Current Legionnaires at the Duncan McNeill Arena.
