Assistant Hockey Coach

Description:

The Calgary Royals Athletic Association, a leading-edge quadrant hockey program dedicated to developing elite hockey players and coaches, is seeking passionate and dedicated Assistant Coaches for the 2025-2026 season. The program emphasizes skill development, sportsmanship, education, and citizenship while fostering a competitive and positive atmosphere for young athletes.

As an Assistant Coach, you will play a key role in developing game strategies, guiding players, and collaborating with other coaching staff to build a strong and cohesive team. This role requires a deep understanding of hockey techniques, the ability to mentor elite youth athletes, and a commitment to upholding the organization’s values both on and off the ice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the coaching team to develop and execute season plans, including team-building activities, pre-game preparation, discipline, tactical play, and post-game analysis.

• Lead the development and execution of team power plays (Forward Coach) or penalty kills (Defensive Coach) through set plays and video analysis.

• Provide scouting reports to the Head Coach on opposing team goalies and deliver regular feedback to goaltenders, including video reviews (Goalie Coach role).

• Manage bench changes during games, working directly with forwards or defensemen based on assignment.

• Assist in team meetings, practice planning, and on-ice skill development, focusing on offensive or defensive play.

• Work with the Mental Performance staff on player communication protocols, team-building, and mental performance strategies.

• Support athletic therapists and trainers with warm-ups, cool-downs, and recovery routines.

• Help instill and monitor a positive, respectful, and high-performance team culture.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Coach or Manager.

Certifications Required/Preferred:

• Coach 1 – Intro to Coach (required)

• Coach 2 – Coach Level (optional)

• Development 1 (required)

• Safety Clinic / HCSP (required)

• Respect in Sport (required)

• Checking Skills (required)

• Criminal Record Check (required)

• Additional Hockey Canada certifications may be required.

Qualifications:

• Prior hockey coaching experience, preferably with youth or elite-level teams.

• Strong grasp of hockey fundamentals, game strategies, and rules.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for effective engagement with players, parents, and staff.

• Ability to inspire, mentor, and motivate athletes to reach their full potential.

• Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.

Benefits:

• Be part of one of Calgary’s premier elite hockey organizations.

• Opportunity to contribute to the athletic and personal growth of talented young players.

• Professional development opportunities in hockey coaching alongside top-level athletes and staff.