Ice Dogs Coaching Staff

Head Coach John Hoos (706) 255-7485 - CoachHoos@ugahockey.com Coach Hoos is in his tenth season as head coach, having led Georgia to nine winning seasons, and post-season play in six of the last seven seasons. Under Coach Hoos, Georgia has earned 5 ACHA national tournament entries, including the ACHA national tournament championship game in 2004. Georgia brought home it’s first ever hockey championship with Hoos behind the bench winning the 2000 Thrasher Cup at the Memorial Health Hockey Classic in Savannah, GA, and has won the tournament 4 times since. 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 NHL stars 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 IceDawgs, and has been integral in advancing the team, serving on league boards, promoting hockey in the South, most recently as the leading organizer of the SEC Hockey championships and conference. 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, and was integral in the formation of the annual Savannah Hockey Classic, played in the Savannah, GA Civic Center, as well as 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 one of the Ice Dog career leaders 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 CoachBeneke@ugahockey.com Coach Beneke returned to the Ice Dogs in 2003, and is now in his eighth full year as an assistant coach. A welcome and booming voice on the bench and practice ice, “Stevie B” brings a variety of experience to the team. Beneke played Junior semi-pro hockey in the Midwest, and then attended University of Massachusetts. Steve began his coaching with the Jr. Capitals in Washington, D.C. in 1990-93. Steve them moved west to work for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks NHL franchise for three seasons before moving to Georgia. Although Steve’s hockey playing experience lies primarily as a goaltender, he assists with all facets of the game, and boasts a 5-2-2 record when called upon in Coach Hoos’ absence. Steve lives in Auburn, GA with his wife June of 18 years.

Assistant Coach Mike Legros - email Coach Legros (pronounced "Le-grow") joins the staff of the Ice Dawgs with a wealth of hockey experience as a player, professional referee, and coach. Mike hails originally from outside Montreal and lived outside of Toronto as well. Coach Legros played his collegiate hockey at the University of Alberta. Fluent in both French and English, Coach Legros is able to communicate with players and officials alike in a variety of ways.