Ice Dogs Coaching Staff

Head Coach John Hoos (706) 255-7485 - JEHOOS@aol.com Coach Hoos is in his seventh season as head coach, having led Georgia to six consecutive winning seasons with progressively higher winning percentages. Coach Hoos has led Georgia to three ACHA national tournament entries in the last four years, taking the squad to the ACHA national tournament championship game in 2004, and to the semi-final’s in 2003. Georgia brought home it’s first ever hockey championship in Hoos’ first year behind the bench winning the 2000 Thrasher Cup at the Memorial Health Hockey Classic in Savannah, GA – Georgia has won the Hockey Classic the last two seasons as well. Originally from Birmingham, MI, “Hoos” was a high school stand out at Cranbrook High School, and played Junior A hockey with the Bloomfield Jets in Detroit, competing against current NHL players Eric Lindros and Brian Holzinger, among others. After moving to warmer climates, Coach Hoos served as Georgia’s player-president during his playing career with the IceDogs, and was integral in advancing the team to its current level. Coach Hoos has secured high profile events such as College Hockey Night in the Philips Arena, the Omni, and the new Gwinnett Center Arena in conjunction with the Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta Knights, and Gwinnett Gladiators. Hoos also assisted in the formation of the annual Memorial Health Hockey Classic at the Savannah, GA Civic Center, and the annual Georgia – Florida hockey game played in Jacksonville, FL. Coach Hoos was also a standout player at Georgia. Playing both as a defenseman and center, Hoos was surpassed in 2003 as the all-time career points leader for UGA, but remains the Ice Dog career leader in points-per-game. Hoos was a four-time College Hockey South All-Star, and is well known as having been one of the leagues’ best play-makers, top goal scorers, and hardest hitters. Coach Hoos is single and lives in Dacula, GA

Assistant Coach Steve Beneke - email Coach Beneke returned to the Ice Dogs full time in 2003 after a season off, and is now in his fifth full year as an assistant coach. A welcome booming voice behind bench and at practices, Steve brings a variety of experience and knowledge to the team. “Stevie” played Junior semi-pro hockey in the Midwest, and then attended University of Massachusetts. He began his coaching experience with the Jr. Capitals in Washington, D.C. in 1990-93, then moved to California to work for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks NHL franchise for three seasons before relocating to Georgia. Although a goalie in his playing days, Steve assists with all facets of the game and the team both on and off the ice, including assisting with scheduling and recruiting. Steve has an astounding repitoir of equipment expertise, and is always there to provide a quick fix when any skate or equipment problems come up. Coach Beneke has a huge heart for the Georgia team and is an indispensable fixture for the Dogs. Steve lives in Auburn, GA with his wife June of 14 years.

Assistant Coach Josh Bennett - email Josh Bennett joins the Georgia Hockey coaching staff for his first season with the Ice Dogs this year.  Coach Bennett, originally from Ottawa, Ontario, brings a wealth of hockey experience and knowledge with him having played over 8 years of professional ice hockey, including four years in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and three seasons in the ECHL - most recently Josh signed and played for the Gwinnett Gladiators in the ECHL in 2005-06 right here in Atlanta.  Known as both a tough and talented player, the team is excited to have Josh on the ice working with the players and helping develop and improve the young talent and tenacity for the Ice Dogs.