After a lot of movement in the crease last season, the Ice Dogs have found a solid combination between the pipes in Jimmy Herbert and Alan Becken.  With the departure of Import Goaltender Bryce Luker in July 2008, the original plan of incubating young Jimmy Herbert for the number 1 spot in 2009 was pushed forward and Herbert broke out of his shell in style.  In his handful of games before becoming the number 1 goaltender Herbert played like the first string anyway.

But something was still amiss.

The Ice Dogs called on veteran Alan Becken back from the Central Coast Rhino’s to support Herbert and the team.  Becken originally played for the Ice Dogs up until 2006 and was a member of several Australian National Senior teams.

Becken was the missing piece to the puzzle and a perfect fit at that.  But Becken decided to bring more than just leadership and enthusiasm; he also played outstanding when he was in net.  “One game on the road in Melbourne Al stood on his head and pretty much won us the game; it was like the Al of the 90’s” recalls team mate Todd Stephenson.

In the finals series Herbert was everywhere.  He stole victory for the pups against Melbourne in the semi finals with a stunning performance that had fans talking green and gold.  In the final, he was solid again proving that the night before was no fluke.  Despite his efforts though, the Dogs fell short of the Goodall Cup finishing second in the Australian Ice Hockey League.

This season the two guard dogs are at it again and will be determined to lead their team from the back end, with nothing but the Goodall Cup in their sights.