Brooks steps down as Killer Bees coach

HIDALGO, Texas – As expected, Chris Brooks has stepped down as the head coach of the Central Hockey League’s Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and accepted the head coaching job at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Brooks becomes the fifth head coach in Pointers history, replacing Wil Nichol, who resigned to accept a front office position in the National Hockey League. “Chris brings over 12 years of proven success as a hockey coach at the collegiate and professional levels,” UW- Stevens Point Interim Athletic Director Rory Suomi said. “In addition to his outstanding coaching résumé, Chris has an outstanding educational background in communication and will help us return our program to the higher echelons of Division III hockey.” The Killer Bees will now undertake the task of selecting their next head coach for their ninth season of play in the 2011-12 season. In the interim, General Manager Dan Belisle will handle all hockey operations while the search for a coach is completed. Brooks established a 87-86-21 record during his three seasons with the Killer Bees, leading the team to two playoff berths and leaves as the winningest coach in the franchise history. He replaced Paul Fixter in July of 2008, tasked with improving the franchise’s performance after a dismal 16-41-7 record during the 2007-08 season, the worst in the league. He inherited a team that suffered from a lack of effective defense and several players who seemed apathetic and unwilling to display any sense of toughness as they were pushed around by almost every team they met. The following season, the Killer Bees record improved to 35-24-5 and the team went on to defeat the Corpus Christi IceRays in the opening round, only to fall to the eventual league champions, the Texas Brahmas, in the second round.

The Killer Bees went 27-27-10 in 2009-10 and missed the playoffs. This season, the team went 25-35-6 but was swept three games to none by the Allen Americans in the first round of the playoffs. Brooks leaves with a year remaining on his contract, but with the Killer Bees organization going through an ownership dispute and widespread changes expected in the makeup of the CHL this off-season, the opportunity in Wisconsin provides a stable environment for him and his family. “I would like to thank Troy Nelson , all the staff, players I have coached, fans, and friends.” Brooks said. “I have learned so much here over the last three years and leave here a better coach and person than I was when I arrived. My family has met many great people who will remain friends forever and we have many great memories that will last a lifetime.” Brooks’ estblished a 87-86-21 record during his three seasons with the Killer Bees, leading the team to two playoff berths and leaves as the winningest coach in the franchise history. He replaced Paul Fixter in July of 2008. “We wish Chris the best of luck at Stevens Point.” Killer Bees General Manager Dan Belisle said. “Killer Bees fans have seen firsthand the quality of coach Chris is and I know he will be successful.” Prior to his time at Rio Grande Valley, the Stratford, Ontario, native spent nine years at Western Michigan University, six as an assistant coach and his last three as the associate head coach. Brooks began his career as an assistant coach at Western and was promoted to associate head coach in 2006. WMU’s recruiting classes from 2002-08 produced eight NHL draft picks. In addition to those players, many others went on to sign free agent deals with NHL and minor league clubs. As a player, Brooks lettered four seasons as a player at WMU (1992-96) and finished as the eighth-leading scorer in school history, compiling 57 goals and 127 assists for 184 points. Known as a playmaker with keen on-ice vision, Brooks led WMU in assists four straight seasons and twice captured the team scoring title (1992-93, 1994-95). He was a member of two NCAA tournament teams (1993-94, 1995-96) and was the recipient of the CCHA’s Rookie of the Year award in 1993. He received a bachelor’s degree in communication in 1996 and a master’s degree in communication with an emphasis in coaching in 2007. Brooks went on to play professionally for the Amarillo Rattlers (WPHL), Mobile Mysticks (ECHL), Springfield Falcons (AHL), and Kalamazoo Wings (UHL). He led the WPHL in scoring and assists during the 1996-97 season, tallying 110 points (45 G, 65 A) in 64 games, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player status. After an 82 point (30 G, 52 A) campaign with Mobile, he returned to Amarillo and again led the team in scoring with 105 points (48 G, 57 A) and was the league leader in goals. He also started his coaching career that season, serving as a player/assistant coach, while also being named team MVP and appearing in his second WPHL All-Star Game. It’ll be interesting to see what the Killer Bees do next, or how soon they will do it. Former Bees, now Assistant Coach Sean Gillam was passed over for the head coaching position when Brooks was hired. Will he get his shot this time or will the organization go in another direction? As we head towards June, one thing is for sure – it’s getting late, but with the expected turmoil to come, it’s not as late as you think. Contact the writer/photographer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com