Youth Hockey Coach

This posting is a general posting that will serve as the part-time, non-benefited, openings within the Competitive Programs business unit in the Division of Recreation and Wellness. Should we be interested in pursuing your application, we will contact you with the specific information.

Jr. Pioneers Hockey Association coaches are responsible for planning, leading, and executing practice sessions, guiding players during games, fostering a positive learning environment, and developing the fundamental skills of young hockey players while prioritizing sportsmanship and player development over solely winning games. 

This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with the sport of hockey, enjoy sports and physical activity, have a strong outgoing personality, excellent communication skills, and enjoy a collaborative, dynamic work environment.  Jr. Pioneers Hockey staff report to the program manager and assist with program setup, participant management, and overall development of Youth Hockey at the University of Denver, while providing friendly, responsive support to children and parents.

Coaching positions are for both competitive travel teams and the rec teams.

• Practice Planning and Execution:
  • Design and implement age-appropriate practice plans focused on skill development, game strategy, and team building. 
  • Lead warm-up drills, technical skill drills, and game-like scenarios during practices. 
  • Adapt practices to cater to different player abilities and learning styles. 
• Game Day Management:
  • Develop and execute game strategies based on opponent analysis. 
  • Make in-game adjustments and substitutions as needed. 
  • Positively motivate players during games, emphasizing sportsmanship and teamwork. 
• Player Development:
  • Evaluate individual player strengths and weaknesses to provide targeted feedback. 
  • Teach fundamental hockey skills including skating, puck handling, shooting, and passing. 
  • Promote player growth and development by providing constructive criticism and positive reinforcement. 
• Team Building and Communication:
  • Foster a positive team culture focused on collaboration and mutual respect. 
  • Communicate effectively with players, parents, and league officials. 
  • Conduct regular team meetings to discuss goals, strategies, and player roles. 
• Administrative Duties:
  • Attend required coaching clinics, commit to an ongoing approach of learning/growth and maintain current coaching certifications. 
  • Maintain player attendance records and communicate important information to parents and senior staff. 
  • Adhere to league rules and regulations, including safety protocols. 

• Experience: Prior experience coaching youth hockey at a similar age level preferred. 
• Playing Background: Strong understanding of hockey fundamentals as a former player is beneficial. 
• Coaching Certification: Current coaching certification or willingness to obtain from USA Hockey
• Communication Skills: Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively with players, parents, and other coaches. 
• Leadership Qualities: Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate and inspire young athletes. 

• American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certification, or willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid/AED certification. 
• Experience working as a hockey administrator and/or coach
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Punctual and reliable – able to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays & the 5 scheduled tournaments hosted by JPH.
• Minimum of 18 years old
• Fingerprint based background check
• Additional background checks and training as required by Colorado childcare licensing (paid for by the University of Denver)

Varies, typically 3 days a week, 2-3 hours per day.  Longer days are required on tournament weekends and specific away competitions.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

The hourly range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00 and 5-10 hours per week, on average.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

1. Resume

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

Advertised: March 03, 2026
Applications close: