Skills Coach

Elite Hockey HQ is looking for an experienced Skills Coach (On-Ice) to lead individual and small-group skill development sessions for hockey athletes across a range of ages and playing levels. This role focuses on hands-on, on-ice instruction — teaching edgework, puck skills, skating mechanics, and hockey-sense concepts that translate directly into game performance.

What you'll do

• Plan and deliver structured on-ice skill sessions covering skating, edges, puck handling, shooting, and small-area game situations
• Assess individual player skill levels and design progressions tailored to their position and development goals
• Provide clear, constructive feedback to players and, where appropriate, to parents or team staff
• Adapt session plans on the fly based on group size, ice time, and athlete readiness
• Maintain a safe, organized, and high-energy training environment on the ice
• Track player progress over time and communicate development updates to relevant stakeholders

What we're looking for

• Prior experience coaching or instructing hockey skills at the youth, junior, or competitive amateur level
• Strong personal skating and puck-handling ability sufficient to demonstrate drills at speed
• Working knowledge of age-appropriate skill progressions and practice planning
• Excellent communication skills with players, parents, and other coaches
• Current or eligible-to-obtain coaching certifications and background checks as required by the local hockey association
• Reliable availability for early morning, evening, and weekend ice times

Nice to have

• Experience working with elite or high-performance youth programs (AAA, junior, or prep level)
• Familiarity with video-based skill breakdowns or off-ice skill training methods
• Previous experience training goaltenders in addition to skaters