"After an exhaustive search and interviews with several qualified candidates, we decided on Chris based on his experience as a former player in the league along with his recruiting and teaching skills at the collegiate level," said Killer Bees President/Owner Troy Nelson.

Brooks, who turns 36 in September, will become the third head coach in franchise history to step behind the bench when the 2008-09 season begins. He joins the Bees from Western Michigan University, where he served for the last nine years. He began his career with the Broncos as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate head coach in 2006.

WMU's recruiting classes from 2002-08 have produced eight NHL draft picks (Matt Clackson, Chris Frank, Mike Erickson, Pat Dwyer, Vince Bellissimo, Max Campbell, Ryan Watson and Luke Witkowski). In addition to those players many others have gone on to sign free agent deals with NHL and minor league clubs.

The Stratford, Ont., native's roles at WMU included coordinating the Broncos recruiting efforts, preparing scouting reports, evaluating game video and organizing the Bronco Summer Hockey schools. He also managed the practice plan and team travel. In addition, Brooks has served as an evaluator for USA Hockey at Michigan Select Festivals since 1999.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Chris and his family," said Western Michigan Head Coach Jim Culhane. "I'm very proud of him and excited for the opportunity that awaits him in the Rio Grande Valley. I'm sorry to see him go because he's been a tremendous asset at Western Michigan and instrumental in our staff. It's very heartfelt on my part because I had the opportunity to coach him here at WMU and then select him to serve as an assistant coach."

As a player, Brooks lettered four seasons at WMU (1992-96) and finished as the eighth-leading scorer in school history, compiling 57 goals and 127 assists for 184 points. A playmaker with excellent 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 at WMU (1993-94, 1995-96) and was recipient of the CCHA's Rookie of the Year Award in 1993. Brooks also received Honorable Mention CCHA All-Academic status.

As a professional, Brooks made stops in Amarillo (WPHL), Mobile (ECHL), Springfield (AHL) and Kalamazoo (UHL). He led the WPHL in scoring and assists during the 1996-97 season, posting 110 points (45-65-110) in 64 games. He was also named the league MVP that year. After an 82-point campaign with Mobile (ECHL) the following season, he returned to Amarillo and again led the team in scoring (48-57-105) and was the league leader in goals. He also started his coaching career that season, serving as a player/coach, while also being named team MVP and appearing in his second WPHL All-Star Game.

Chris received a bachelor's degree in communications from WMU in 1996 and a masters degree in communications with an emphasis in coaching in 2007. He and wife Jeannine, a WMU graduate, are the parents of a daughter Bryar (9) and a son Barrett (6).