This was followed by four seasons with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and won the national championship in 1992.

[1][2] He made his pro debut with the Cape Breton Oilers, with whom he won the Calder Cup of the American Hockey League in the 1992–93 season.

On November 28, 2011, after the departure of Kirk Muller to the Carolina Hurricanes, Herbers was named head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals.

In late May 2012 Herbers left the Milwaukee Admirals to begin coaching the men's hockey team at his alma mater, the University of Alberta.

He spent three seasons as head coach of the Alberta Golden Bears, earning Canada West Coach of the Year honours in his inaugural season and leading the team to three Canada West conference championships and consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championships in 2013-14 and 2014-15.