Brooks Laich is a National Hockey League (NHL) center for the Washington Capitals. Originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the sixth round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, he was acquired by the Capitals on February 18, 2004 for right winger Peter Bondra and a second round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Before being traded, Laich made his NHL debut for the Senators on February 3, 2004 against the New Jersey Devils. Since that time, he has improved his stats in goals, power play goals, shots, and total ice time every season.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8469639&view=biohttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=528077

Recognized for his versatility, Brooks Laich has the ability to be effective both in front of the net, and defensively as well.http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/player.cgi?2553 Prior to turning professional, Laich played major junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for both the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Moose Jaw Warriors.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8469639&view=bio

Brooks Laich was born in Wawota, Saskatchewan on June 23, 1983. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and playing guitar, and is involved in Athletes Against Autism and in activities in the fight against MS. Outside of hockey, Laich enjoys watching baseball, and considers the Toronto Blue Jays his favorite team.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8469639&view=bio

Brooks Laich scored his first assist of the 2010-11 season on October 8 against the Atlanta Thrashers, and his first goal on October 11 against the Ottawa Senators.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8469639&season=20102011&view=gamelog As of December 16, Laich has logged a total of 20 points on the season with eight goals and 12 assists in 33 games.http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=55402&encode=TRUE He is also tied for the team lead in plus/minus rating with a +8, and is fourth in scoring.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8469639&view=notes

At the close of the 2009-10 season, Brooks Laich had logged 59 points on 25 goals and 34 assists, posting career bests in all three categories. His +16 plus/minus rating was also the best of his career, as were his 12 power play goals. On the season, Laich averaged 2:06 in shorthanded ice time per game, making him a big part of the Caps' power play unit. He also had four game-winning goals on the season, which included two overtime winning goals. http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=528077

In the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, Laich played in seven games, posting three points on two goals and one assist.http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=55402&encode=TRUE He also topped all Capitals' forwards with 3:34 shorthanded ice time per game during the team's playoff run.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=528077

In 82 games during the 2008-09 season, Brooks Laich posted 53 points on 23 goals and 30 assists, enough to rank fourth on the team in goals and fifth in points and assists. On the season, he averaged over three minutes more ice time per game than his previous seasons. He wrapped up the season scoring four goals in his final four games, and finished sixth on the team in playoff scoring with seven points in 14 games.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8469639&view=biohttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8469639&view=bio