How to hire an ice hockey coach

How to hire an ice hockey coach, step by step

Here's a step-by-step ice hockey coach hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an ice hockey coach job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new ice hockey coach
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an ice hockey coach do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an ice hockey coach, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect ice hockey coach also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents ice hockey coach salaries for various positions.

   Type of Ice Hockey Coach	Description	Hourly rate
   Ice Hockey Coach	Coaches teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts look for new players and evaluate their skills and likelihood for success at the college, amateur, or professional level... Show more	$13-32
   Swim Coach	A swim coach is someone who teaches and trains people how to swim. A swim coach provides tips and techniques for people to follow if they want to learn how to swim... Show more	$11-22
   Girls Basketball Coach	A girls' basketball coach coaches a girls' basketball team in a high school or university. They push girls to develop their basketball skills... Show more	$13-33

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CPR
   • NCAA
   • Student Athletes
   • JV
   • Ice Hockey
   • III
   • On-Ice
   • Skill Development
   • USA Hockey
   • Championship
   • Game Strategies
   • Role Model
   • Player Development
   • RAN

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Provide guidance for individual athletes and assist them in achieving spots within elite summer rowing programs in Philadelphia.
   • Coach the JV field hockey team at the local high school.
   • Experience officiating professional, NCAA, junior, and amateur hockey.
   • Help guide one of the most successful high school hockey programs in the state to a championship game.
   • Coach a field hockey team utilizing leadership and verbal-communication to encourage students to improve individual and team performance.
   • Coach team with the highest GPA within LHS athletics.

   More ice hockey coach duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your ice hockey coach job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An ice hockey coach can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, ice hockey coaches' average salary in wyoming is 59% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level ice hockey coaches 58% less than senior-level ice hockey coaches.
   • Certifications. An ice hockey coach with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an ice hockey coach's salary.

   Average ice hockey coach salary

   $44,036yearly

   $21.17 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level ice hockey coach salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

   Average ice hockey coach salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$59,220	$28
   2	Connecticut	$54,584	$26
   3	California	$50,496	$24
   4	New York	$50,266	$24
   5	Pennsylvania	$50,046	$24
   6	Alaska	$47,280	$23
   7	Minnesota	$45,715	$22
   8	Colorado	$41,504	$20
   9	New Hampshire	$39,344	$19
   10	Maryland	$33,745	$16

   Average ice hockey coach salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Western New England University	$65,299	$31.39
   2	King's College	$64,706	$31.11
   3	Curry College	$59,603	$28.66
   4	Colgate University	$59,206	$28.46	7
   5	Nichols College	$58,237	$28.00	2
   6	Salem State University	$53,899	$25.91
   7	Longwood University	$53,794	$25.86	1
   8	Siena Heights University	$52,608	$25.29
   9	University of Alaska	$52,235	$25.11	1
   10	Lawrence University	$52,019	$25.01	2
   11	South Burlington High School	$51,650	$24.83
   12	Mercyhurst University	$50,077	$24.08	1
   13	Montgomery County Public Schools	$49,979	$24.03	5
   14	Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES	$49,923	$24.00
   15	Newton Public Schools	$49,153	$23.63	7
   16	Southern New Hampshire University	$48,405	$23.27	4
   17	Hartford Public Schools	$48,144	$23.15	11
   18	Rink Management Services	$47,520	$22.85
   19	Concordia University Wisconsin	$46,134	$22.18	8
   20	Union College	$45,313	$21.79	1

4. Writing an ice hockey coach job description

   An ice hockey coach job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an ice hockey coach job description:

   Ice hockey coach job description example

   Mission Statement
   
   The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
   
   Position Summary
   
   As with all staff members of the RIK.CCC Ice Arena, the role of Ice Hockey coach will have both general and specific responsibilities, The General Responsibilities include those that are specific responsibilities, The General Responsibilities are those that are shared equally amongst the staff. The Specific Responsibilities include those that are specific to the Ice Hockey coach.
   
   Essential Functions
   
   Guest relations - ensure the most enjoyable experience for all RJKCCC guests. Housekeeping - maintain all public and restricted areas in a neat and clean fashion Phones - incoming calls must be answered quickly and politely, basic questions answered, or more in-depth inquiries referred to an appropriate staff member.General legible and accurate accident and incident reports as required.Ensure Guest-Safety-Immediately rectify and/or report to the supervisor (Hockey Manager) any potentially unsafe conditions.Crowd control - assist and direct guests in moving about the facilities to avoid crowded conditions and maximize service efficiency.Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policies and Procedures. Perform other assignments/duties as directed.Adhere to the guidelines for each age category of developing players as indicated by the Hockey Manager Program Guidelines SyllabiHelp provide a fun, safe, and enjoyable, learning environment for every RJKCCC member/participant.Maintain open communication with direct supervisor in regard to scheduling and coaching.Maintain a professional demeanor and attitude with children/ patrons/ customers, staff and upper management.Maintain open communication with direct supervision in regard to emergency situations.Maintain the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy, and an understanding of how it effects coaches.Help to promote the Ice Hockey Program at the RJKCCC, in a POSITIVE way. Be on time and prepared for every class, lesion, practice, and game.Help facilitate equality and fairness among all participants.Ensure that game or practice time changes are communicated effectively to allparticipants in a timely manner.Promote and maintain a sense of pride, honor, and respect towards the Kroc Center and Kroc Center Youth Ice Hockey Program.Handle all other duties as assigned.
   
   WORKING CONDITIONSAbility to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to be able to lift up to 40lbs. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinets drawers and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone.
   
   Minimum Qualifications
   
   Must be able to work with children of various athletic abilities and cultural backgrounds.Must be trained in various ice hockey disciplines.High School diploma preferred Must have experience in playing and/or/both coaching ice hockey.Must have working knowledge of USA Ice Hockey Rules and Regulations.Must work well with others.Must be able to lift and carry 40 lbs.Must be in good physical health and mental health, capable of meeting the demand of the RJKCCC job site.Must have or be able to acquire CPR/First aide certification within first 90 days.Must complete and attend The Salvation Army' s Safe from Harm training course(s).
   
   Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications
   
   Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children of all ages Sensitivity to children's individual needs. Ability to use appropriate positive discipline consistently DependabilityAbility to seek supervision and use it consistently Ability to function in an often loud and cold environment Must posses VERY GOOD human relation skills Must be able to verbalize and describe lesion plans Must be able to demonstrate various skills and drills.Must be able to read, write, and communicate in EnglishMust be able to meet all Health and Safety regulations as defined by the Health Department as well as The Salvation ArmyHave a philosophy of education and child development, which is consistent with that of the Center and The Salvation ArmyMust be familiar with creating, teaching, and implementing planned practices suitable for children of all ages and abilities.Maintain a professional attitude and approach to dealing with others.
   
   Qualifications
   
   Education
   
   Preferred
   
   + High School or Equivalent or better
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
   
   The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find ice hockey coaches for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your ice hockey coach job on Zippia to find and recruit ice hockey coach candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit ice hockey coaches, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new ice hockey coach

   Once you've selected the best ice hockey coach candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new ice hockey coach first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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