What are the responsibilities and job description for the Goaltending Coach - WBS Penguins position at Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins?
Reports To: AHL Head Coach / Pittsburgh Penguins Goaltending Department
Department: Hockey Operations
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Overview
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL), the primary affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), are seeking a highly qualified, driven, and collaborative Goalie Coach. This position is employed by the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and reports directly to the AHL Head Coach and the NHL Goaltending Department.
The Goaltending Coach is responsible for the development, preparation, performance, and evaluation of all goaltenders assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL) roster. This position is employed by the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and reports directly to the AHL Head Coach and the NHL Goaltending Department, overseeing the daily on-ice and off-ice development, technical adjustment, and mental preparation of the organization’s AHL goaltenders in alignment with its overarching development philosophy.
This is an integral role within the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Hockey Operations team. The hire will serve as a trusted member of the coaching staff and development team, tasked with improving goaltender performance, contributing to team success, supporting organizational initiatives, and integrating goaltending concepts into the broader team environment.
The ideal candidate is a strong technical instructor, an effective communicator, a quality evaluator, and a developer of people who possesses a deep understanding of modern goaltending.
Key Responsibilities
Goaltender Development
- Build and execute elite individualized development plans for each goaltender.
- Conduct daily technical and tactical coaching.
- Identify strengths, weaknesses, and development priorities.
- Track progress and provide measurable feedback.
Video Review & Performance Analysis
- Deliver high-quality game reviews.
- Identify performance trends and actionable teaching points.
- Utilize video to accelerate learning and improve performance.
Pre-Scouting & Game Preparation
- Produce detailed pre-scout reports on opposing teams and shooters.
- Prepare goaltenders for expected game situations and offensive tendencies.
- Support the coaching staff with information that contributes to game planning.
- Provide actionable feedback regarding opposing goaltenders and scoring opportunities.
Practice Planning & On-Ice Instruction
- Design and execute purposeful goaltending drills.
- Support team practice planning and implementation.
- Align goaltender training with team systems and game demands.
Organizational Support
- Assist with development camps and prospect development initiatives.
- Lead goaltending portions of development camp when required.
- Complete special projects and scouting assignments.
- Contribute to organizational evaluations and reporting.
Core Competencies
Technical Expertise
- Strong understanding of modern goaltending concepts.
- Strong analytical skills and video-review capabilities.
- Ability to teach and communicate complex concepts simply and effectively.
Communication
- Communicates effectively with players, coaches, management, and support staff.
- Creates clarity, delivers honest feedback, and handles difficult conversations professionally.
Team Integration
- Fits seamlessly within a coaching staff environment.
- Contributes positively to staff discussions.
- Integrates goaltending instruction into the team’s overall identity.
Relationship Building
- Builds trust with players and staff.
- Maintains accountability while preserving strong working relationships.
Required Qualifications
- Experience coaching and developing goaltenders.
- Experience conducting video review and pre-scout preparation.
- Experience working within a team environment.
- Demonstrated track record of goaltender development and player improvement.
- Evidence of contributing to successful teams and winning environments.
- Strong professional references from players and staff.
- Candidates may come from professional, collegiate, junior, or elite amateur hockey backgrounds. The organization prioritizes coaching ability, development impact, communication skills, and cultural fit over league level alone.
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility to travel with the team, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Willingness to support development camps, prospect initiatives, and special projects as assigned.
- Strong professional references from players and staff.