The Niagara IceDogs announced today that they have signed Goaltender Coach Ben Vanderklok, Athletic Therapist Pete Dobbin, and Equipment Manager Garry Buxton to 5 year extensions.

Vanderklok just finished his second season as the IceDogs Goaltending Coach, having been brought on in the summer of 2008.  Ben joined the IceDogs after spending a year with the Brock Badgers as their goaltending coach.  Prior to that, Ben had spent time behind the bench with the Port Colborne Sailors of the Golden Horseshoe Junior Hockey League.  Ben also brought with him experience from having spent three years playing in the OHL with the Barrie Colts from 1998-2000.  He is also the assistant goaltending coach of the Nashville Predators, focusing on their goaltending prospects in Milwaukee and Cincinnati.

Dobbin also just completed his second season with the IceDogs joining the organization during the 2008 offseason as well.  Prior to becoming Athletic Therapist, Peter worked with the IceDogs during their training at White Oaks, as part of the White Oaks Human Performance Team.

Peter also has a wide variety of experience outside of the IceDogs, having been Head Athletic Therapist for Team Ontario at the 2009 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge, as well being a part of Baseball Canada’s Junior Olympic Team Program as the Head Athletic Therapist and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Buxton has just completed his fourth year with the IceDogs, having spent one year with the IceDogs in Mississauga before joining them in their move to Niagara.

Garry has spent his time with the IceDogs looking after all the players' equipment and uniform needs throughout the year, looking after everything from socks and jerseys, to skates, sticks and protective equipment.  He also looks after packing for road trips and numerous other tasks.

The IceDogs are excited to have these three important member of our hockey staff on board for the next five years and are looking forward to having them be a part of the team's future success.