Brooks Laich was born June 23, 1983 in Wawota, Saskatchewan. The sixth round, 193rd overall selection of the Ottawa Senators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Laich is a graduate of the WHL.
A member of Canadas Silver Medal World Junior team in 2003, Laich played three seasons in the WHL with stops in Moose Jaw and Seattle, registering 202 points (78-124-202) before making his professional debut with the AHLs Binghamton Senators in 2003-04. Although he spent the majority of the season in the AHL, Laich saw action in one game with the parent club before having his rights dealt to the Washington Capitals for veteran sniper Peter Bondra. Upon his arrival with the Caps, the Wawota, Saskatchewan went on to play four games and registered one point.
Due to the NHL lockout, Laich spent an entire season in the AHL with the Portland Pirates, where he finished fifth on the team in goals. Over the next three seasons in Washington, Laich secured his roster spot and was a regular on a young Capitals squad. He capped his most productive 2007-08 season with his first playoff appearance and earned a three-year contract extension with the Capitals in the summer of 2008.
