Youth Hockey Coach

About the role

Jr. Pioneers Hockey Association coaches are responsible for planning, leading, and executing practice sessions, guiding players during games, fostering a positive learning environment, and developing the fundamental skills of young hockey players while prioritizing sportsmanship and player development over solely winning games. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with the sport of hockey, enjoy sports and physical activity, have a strong outgoing personality, excellent communication skills, and enjoy a collaborative, dynamic work environment.

Responsibilities

• Practice Planning and Execution: Design and implement age-appropriate practice plans focused on skill development, game strategy, and team building. Lead warm-up drills, technical skill drills, and game-like scenarios during practices. Adapt practices to cater to different player abilities and learning styles.
• Game Day Management: Develop and execute game strategies based on opponent analysis. Make in-game adjustments and substitutions as needed. Positively motivate players during games, emphasizing sportsmanship and teamwork.
• Player Development: Evaluate individual player strengths and weaknesses to provide targeted feedback. Teach fundamental hockey skills including skating, puck handling, shooting, and passing. Promote player growth and development by providing constructive criticism and positive reinforcement.
• Team Building and Communication: Foster a positive team culture focused on collaboration and mutual respect. Communicate effectively with players, parents, and league officials. Conduct regular team meetings to discuss goals, strategies, and player roles.
• Administrative Duties: Attend required coaching clinics, commit to an ongoing approach of learning/growth and maintain current coaching certifications. Maintain player attendance records and communicate important information to parents and senior staff. Adhere to league rules and regulations, including safety protocols.

Requirements

• Experience: Prior experience coaching youth hockey at a similar age level preferred.
• Playing Background: Strong understanding of hockey fundamentals as a former player is beneficial.
• Coaching Certification: Current coaching certification or willingness to obtain from USA Hockey.
• Communication Skills: Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively with players, parents, and other coaches.
• Leadership Qualities: Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate and inspire young athletes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Prior experience coaching youth hockey at a similar age level preferred.
• Playing Background: Strong understanding of hockey fundamentals as a former player is beneficial.
• Coaching Certification: Current coaching certification or willingness to obtain from USA Hockey.
• Communication Skills: Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively with players, parents, and other coaches.
• Leadership Qualities: Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate and inspire young athletes.

Qualifications

• American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certification, or willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Experience working as a hockey administrator and/or coach.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Punctual and reliable – able to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays & the 5 scheduled tournaments hosted by JPH.
• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Fingerprint based background check.

Benefits

No benefits are provided for this position.

Schedule

Varies, typically 3 days a week, 2-3 hours per day. Longer days are required on tournament weekends and specific away competitions.

Pay

The hourly range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00 and 5-10 hours per week, on average. The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.