Do you have a burning desire to work with young people and give them your undivided attention and expertise? Do you dream of one day leading the team you played for as a player and watching them grow up to be your successors? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. You are about to embark on a breathtaking journey that will take you to a place you’ve never been before. You’ll discover a whole new world of opportunities, just waiting for you. You can be the hockey coach they’ve always been looking for. It’s your time to shine. Better hurry up while there’s still time to make your dream come true.
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The Unexpected Opportunity
This opportunity came about somewhat unexpectedly for me. Back in 2001, with the NHL lockout in full swing and myself having just completed my contract with the Detroit Red Wings, I decided it was time for a change. I had always been interested in coaching and was a bit of a brainiac when it came to hockey, so when the opportunity to study coaching presented itself, I did not hesitate for a second.
I began my journey to coaching school in the fall of 2001. After completing the University of Denver’s hockey administration program in the spring of 2003, I started working with the Colorado Mammoth of the NLL as an offensive assistant. A week later, I was offered an assistant coaching position with the Mammoth and jumped at the chance. A couple of months later, I was offered and accepted a head coaching job with the Colorado Eagles of the WHL. It was a dream job for a hockey nut like myself. It took me a while to get used to the idea of waking up every morning and going to work. I was finally able to convince myself that this is what I’d been working toward all my life. This is where I belonged. I was finally going to be given the opportunity to coach, mentor, and teach the next generation of hockey players. This is where I wanted to be. This is where I needed to be.
The NLL
The National Lacrosse League is a major professional sports league in North America that began in 1986. Its teams are currently based in Toronto, Canada and the majority of its games are played on Canadian turf.
The league consists of 13 teams, each playing 22 games during the regular season. The playoffs begin in mid-April and run until the championship game in mid-June. The team that wins the most games during the regular season wins the coveted trophy. It’s a great way for professional hockey players to keep their hands in the game while still pursuing a coaching career. Many coaches in the NHL will tell you that having a professional head coaching position while still a part of the organization you love most is the ultimate dream job.
The WHL
The Western Hockey League is the top developmental league for ice hockey in North America. Founded in 1909, the WHL boasts many successful seasons as well as some embarrassing ones. One of the proudest moments of my life was being named the 18th head coach of the Denver Grizzlies in the WHL in 2009. The previous coach suddenly took ill and I took over without any coaching experience whatsoever. Although it was a learning curve, I felt confident enough to lead the team in their quest for the Memorial Cup. Sadly, we came up short but that doesn’t take away from the experience. It was an incredible honor to be named the head coach of the Denver Grizzlies. Working with the junior team in the WHL has also been a dream, giving me the opportunity to mold young minds as well as play a part in teaching them the game I love so much.
Becoming A Hockey Coach In Canada
Now that you’re aware of the unique opportunity that awaits you, it’s time to figure out how to become a hockey coach in Canada. There are two main paths you can take. The first one is to apply for a Coaching Internship with a professional team or league in Canada. You will not be paid for the internship, but you will receive invaluable experience. As part of the program, you’ll shadow a professional hockey coach or manager and get a first-hand look at the ins and outs of the game. You’ll gain experience on the ice, in the weight room, and in the office. Professional teams and leagues typically look for candidates with experience, so this may be the only way to land that perfect job.
A less conventional route to becoming a hockey coach is to get a graduate degree in Hockey Management. Many universities offer a Master’s degree in Hockey Administration or Management. You’ll need to decide which one is right for you, but either option will give you the opportunity to become a coach with a reputable organization. Just remember: a good head coach learns from his mistakes and builds on his successes.
Once you’re done studying, it’s time to look for jobs. Don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities out there. You’ll just need to make the right connections. You can begin by contacting coaches and managers from various teams or leagues. You can also create a LinkedIn profile and start connecting with potential employers.