Skating & Skills Coach (Youth/HS)

Position Overview

The Skating & Skills Coach is a part-time coaching role focused on the delivery of Hockey Development Training Systems (HDTS) skating & shooting sessions, athlete development programs, and daily training operations. This role works closely with the Director and Lead Skating Coach to implement structured, evidence-based training plans, monitor player progress, and maintain a high-performance, professional training environment.

This position is ideal for a current college student, recent graduate, or former competitive hockey player who wants to stay involved in the game and develop their coaching skills. We are looking for someone who is passionate about athlete development, eager to learn technology-driven training methods, and comfortable coaching athletes in a high-performance environment.

Previous coaching experience is preferred but not required. We are committed to mentoring and developing coaches through hands-on training, observation, feedback, and continued coaching education.

We are looking for individuals who are interested in working evenings and weekends and bring hockey knowledge, energy, professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to learn.

About Elite Sports Complex

Elite Sports Complex is a year-round athlete development and sports performance facility serving Duluth and the surrounding region. Our mission is to provide athletes with a professional, high-performance training environment that emphasizes measurable development, disciplined work habits, and long-term athletic growth.

The Hockey Performance Lab is the high-performance training division within Elite Sports Complex. It is built around the Hockey Development Training System (HDTS) and advanced skating treadmill technology, creating an environment where athletes train with precision, receive objective feedback, and achieve measurable improvements in skating performance.

We combine expert coaching, modern technology, and evidence-based methods to develop skating mechanics, efficiency, and on-ice performance at the highest levels.

Key Responsibilities

Athlete Training & Development

• Deliver structured skating sessions using HDTS training technology
• Follow athlete development plans as guided by the Lead Skating Coach
• Track and communicate athlete progress
• Ensure all training sessions are safe, organized, and aligned with high-performance standards

Communication & Athlete Support

• Provide clear, honest feedback using data and observation to guide training
• Represent Elite Sports Complex and the Hockey Performance Lab with professionalism and integrity

Program & Facility Operations

• Assist the Director of Hockey Operations with daily preparation, setup, and cleanup of training areas.
• Support maintenance and proper use of training equipment and systems
• Maintain a clean, safe, and professional training environment
• Participate in occasional camps, clinics, and seasonal development programs

Education & Background

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Playing experience at the high school, junior, or college hockey level.
• Current college-age individual or recent graduate preferred.
• Previous hockey coaching, instruction, camp, or skills-training experience is preferred but not required.
• Coursework or interest in exercise science, kinesiology, sports management, education, coaching, athletic training, or a related field is a plus.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong understanding of hockey skating fundamentals and player development principles
• Comfortable coaching youth or older athletes under supervision
• Positive, professional, and coachable attitude
• Strong communication skills and reliability
• Willingness to learn and use HDTS and performance technology

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Sport
• Science, Biomechanics, Athletic Training, Human Performance, or related fields
• Previous experience coaching or instructing hockey players.
• Experience working with children, teenagers, or athletes.
• Junior or college hockey playing experience.
• USA Hockey Coaching Certification.
• SafeSport Certification.
• Interest in coaching, player development, sports performance, or a future career in
• athletics.
• Desire to grow into additional coaching responsibilities within Elite Sports Complex.

Elite Sports Complex is committed to developing coaches, not just hiring experienced coaches. Coaches will receive training, mentorship, and feedback designed to improve their teaching, communication, session management, and overall coaching ability.

Pay: $16.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10.0 – 20.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Gym membership
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $23