Bees tab Brooks to replace Fixter

HIDALGO - Less than two weeks after the departure of Paul Fixter, the Killer Bees have a new coach.

CHL sources confirmed that Western Michigan associate head coach Chris Brooks will be named as the Bees' fourth head coach at a 1 p.m. Monday press conference at Dodge Arena. Brooks has served as an assistant on the Broncos' staff since the 1999-2000 season, and was promoted by head coach Jim Culhane to associate head coach in August of 2006.

Also, Bees assistant coach Sean Gillam said Friday he will be returning to the Valley for a sixth season with the franchise. Gillam, who was a finalist for the head coaching position, said he will return to his role as assistant coach.

When reached Friday, Brooks did not comment per an agreement he said he had with the Bees front office not to speak with the media. The WMU media relations department also declined to comment.

The Bees would not confirm the hiring, only saying there would be a press conference to announce a new coach on Monday.

During Brooks' nine seasons as an assistant with the Broncos, WMU compiled an overall record of 133-178-31 and two winning seasons. Last season, the Broncos slumped to an 8-27-3 record and lost in the first round of the CCHA Tournament.

Brooks also had a productive playing career with the Broncos, scoring 57 goals and adding 127 assists from 1992 to 1996. Professionally, Brooks played in parts of four seasons, including two with Amarillo, then of the WPHL. In 1997, Brooks was named the WPHL MVP after scoring 45 goals and 65 assists.

This hire also means that every team in the CHL has a coach. On Tuesday, the Northern Conference champion Colorado Eagles announced that Kevin McClelland, formerly with Mississippi, is replacing Chris Stewart. Stewart, who missed half of last season after back surgery, will focus this season on his roles as president and GM of the Eagles.

Brian Sandalow covers the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4436.