CHL Hockey

riobee · Wed Aug 16, 2006 8:00 pm Killer Bees sign new coach.

http://www.killerbeehockey.com/news/081606a.html

riobee · Thu Aug 17, 2006 5:48 pm

The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced the hiring of Paul Fixter as head coach. Fixter brings two Stanley Cup rings to the Valley, having served the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant coach from 1995-2001.

“I am excited to bring in someone of Paul’s caliber,” said Killer Bees General Manager Grant Buckborough. “His reference list is a virtual who’s who of hockey. I have heard nothing but exemplary remarks about his character and coaching abilities. He is a coach who gets the most out of his players and is an astute tactician and student of the game. Paul is known as being tough on his players, but also as an approachable guy. To land him at this point of the off season is a blessing.”

Fixter, 43, most recently served as a scout for the Avalanche during the 2005-06 season. He spent the previous four seasons with the AHL Hershey Bears, including two seasons as head coach. He moved into a scouting role last season when the Avalanche decided not to field a full AHL affiliate and the Bears switched affiliations to the Washington Capitals.

Before taking on his various roles with Hershey, Fixter spent six seasons in Denver with the Avalanche. As an assistant coach for the Avalanche, Fixter was responsible for video scouting reports, analyzing game video and on ice practices for both current Los Angeles Kings head coach Marc Crawford and current Atlanta Thrashers bench boss Bob Hartley.

He won a Stanley Cup under Crawford in 1996, and again in his final year in Colorado under former Bears boss Hartley. During Fixter’s tenure in Denver, the Avalanche won two President’s Trophies for the NHL’s best regular season record.

“As video coordinator, assistant coach and head coach of the Hershey Bears, the Avalanche’s main affiliate, as well as the team’s AHL scout, Paul Fixter was a dedicated employee of the Colorado Avalanche organization since 1995,” said Francois Giguere, Avalanche Executive Vice President & General Manager. “We are convinced the Killer Bees are in great hands with his nomination as their head coach and we want to wish him all the best.”

Fixter got his first taste of coaching in 1985 as an on-ice instructor and program coordinator with the Huron Hockey School. After his playing days ended at the University of Windsor, Fixter began his coaching career at his alma mater while earning his master’s degree in sports business administration. He expanded his services to Team Ontario from 1989-93.

Paul moved into the front office in 1990 as Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager of the Cornwall Royals (OHL), assisting with all business and hockey operations in addition to his regular coaching and video functions. Among the players on the Royals team during that time was current Killer Bees player/assistant Jason Cirone.

Before accepting the video coaching position with the Avalanche in the summer of 1995, Fixter worked as the technological specialist for the AHL’s Cornwall Aces during 1994 and 1995. During the 1999-2000 season, Fixter filled in as the Bears' interim assistant coach when Head Coach Mike Foligno was away on family leave.

“I’m looking forward to my first season in the Central Hockey League and getting behind the bench again,” said Fixter. “The CHL is a league that is growing in reputation and I’m happy to now be a part of that. The recruiting aspect of the job is a challenge, but one that I’m excited to undertake. I’ll hit the ground running to make sure we have a competitive team this season.”

A Kitchener, Ontario native, Fixter remains true to his hockey roots. Upon Colorado winning its two Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001, Paul brought hockey’s holy-grail to his hometown to share his moments with Lord Stanley with family and friends.

An avid golfer and Toronto Blue Jays fan, Fixter splits time in the offseason between Hummelstown, Pa., and Canada.

Fixter will make his CHL regular season debut when the Killer Bees open up their fourth season of CHL action on the weekend of October 20 and 21, 2006 vs. the Arizona Sundogs. The team will also play a preseason schedule to be announced. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are available now by calling (956) 843-PUCK. Stay tuned all summer to killerbeehockey.com for the latest news and transactions as they become official!

pivalleygirl · Thu Aug 17, 2006 5:53 pm

Good luck! Sounds like a good pick. And you guys were concerned about Tony leaving! :icon_grinning-smiley-021: