DUCKS REPORT : Hebert Displays Staying Power

He’s the last original Mighty Duck and not about to step aside any time soon. Fact is, goaltender Guy Hebert has been the most impressive Duck in the exhibition season.

Competition for jobs during training camp has been at other positions. Hebert has a firm grip on the No. 1 goalie’s spot, holding off Dominic Roussel and Tom Askey for another season.

Roussel will be Hebert’s backup and Askey will be headed next week to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League. Hebert hopes to start between 60 and 70 games this season, his seventh in Anaheim.

“I’m not ready to give up the job yet,” Hebert said. “Maybe after 2002 [when his current contract runs out], I’ll have a little talk with Pierre [Gauthier, team president and general manager].”

Hebert, coming off career bests of 31 victories, six shutouts and a 2.42 goals-against average in 69 games, has been superb during training camp. In three exhibition appearances, he has one shutout and an 0.81 goals-against average.

As much of a temptation as it is to play Hebert in almost every regular-season game, Coach Craig Hartsburg said he hopes to give Roussel more work this season. Roussel played in only 18 games last season, going 4-5-4 with a 2.51 goals-against average.

“If Dom plays well it will be a better situation for both of them,” Hartsburg said. “I think if he could start 20 to 25 games it will be good for him and for Guy. When we do play Dom, he’ll probably play in two or three games in a row instead of just one.”

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Defenseman Kevin Haller skated for the third consecutive day, and his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery continues to be ahead of schedule. Haller skated for about 30 minutes before practice and participated in one drill. . . . Center Steve Rucchin, battling a cold for the last few days, did not attend practice.