Team Head Coach Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development

DISCLAIMER

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This opportunity is in affiliation with the Sensplex organization, but this role is not directly employed by the Ottawa Senators/Sensplex organization.

Number of vacancies: hiring more than one position

BACKGROUND

The Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development Club (SSHD) provides competitive and elite athletes with the very best spring hockey experience anywhere. This is achieved through a commitment to on-ice skill development, off-ice training which focuses on increasing overall athleticism, and development of individual and team tactics; all of which is provided exclusively by professional non-parent coaches and instructors. The SSHD AAA Club is actively seeking experienced, positive, and committed individuals to serve as non-parent coaches for their teams. Coaches will report to the Club Head of Hockey Operations (OSHP Head of Hockey Development) and SSHD AAA Club Head Coach.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Coaches are responsible for ensuring each of their SSHD AAA players receive the absolute highest possible program value in keeping with the standards of the Ottawa Senators whom they represent. Coaches will oversee their team(s) with a high level of attention to detail such that maximum hockey development takes place in a fun, safe, caring, and highly competitive environment. Obligations would begin as early as January (limited to player evaluation, recruitment, and some season planning) and increase to a full coaching workload from late March through the middle of June.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ongoing

• Serve as Competitive Head Coach for the Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development (SSHD) club
• Ensuring players and team staff represent the SSHD, Senators, and Sensplex brand in a respectful and appropriate manner at all times and for ensuring all SSHD AAA policies and standards are met
• Communicate regularly with parents as required to keep them informed through e-mail, in-person meetings, and phone calls as required. This includes holding season opening parent meeting and other meetings as required.
• Manage other team staff including assistant coaches, trainers and team managers (as required)
• Assist with player selection, recruitment, and evaluation
• Support the decisions, policies, and guidelines set forth by the SSHD AAA Club Director, Head of Hockey Operations, and Club Head Coach.
• Responsible for ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and care of the participants.
• Follow the on-ice program set out by the Club Head of Hockey Development & Club Head Coach
• Constantly involved in error-detection & correction of all participants to enhance their skills and enjoyment in hockey
• Responsible for engaging the participants in a fun, enjoyable and competitive hockey experience.
• Bench management during game
• Attend all team games which may be a combination of local and out of town (dependent upon level)
• Encouraging habits and teaching the style of play determined by Club Head Coach and Club Director
• Coordinate off-ice activities during tournaments in consultation with Club staff.
• Dressing room supervision before and after tournament games in collaboration with other team staff (adhering to two-deep policy and always ensuring supervision).
• Maintain a highly structured and positive environment at all team events (including dressing room atmosphere)
• Plan, implement and control pre-game preparation and communication with the team.
• Design and execute practice plans in consultation with the Club Head Coach
• Ensure all club policies and rules are followed and that all players live up to the conditions of their SSHD AAA player contract.
• Other duties as assigned by the Club Director, Head of Hockey Operations, and Club Head Coach
• Prepare season-ending player report cards.
• Approximate Team events included (additional time spent is likely and included as whatever is required of a high-performance competitive coach):
  • Three to four tournaments (per schedule above)
  • Two exhibition games per team
  • Two or three classroom sessions per team
  • Season opening parent meeting.
  • Six weekend (Sunday or Easter Monday) full ice team practices
  • Three mid-week skills sessions per team (not mandatory)

Health & Safety Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

• Ensure all coaches (including self), volunteers, and players always wear proper personal protective equipment during SSHD activities

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive experience as a competitive coach
• An ability to connect with, relate to, and teach players of all ages.
• Knowledge of key teaching points relating to developing each fundamental and advanced hockey skill
• Minimum of Development I Coaching Qualification (NCCP / CAC)
• Must be available and willing to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to work under pressure, adapt to changing environments, and deal with difficult people.
• Must be comfortable and enjoy working with children.
• Previous competitive hockey experiences an asset.
• Professional demeanor
• Strong teaching skills
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral),
• Bilingualism is not mandatory but is considered an asset.
• Strong work ethic with a “whatever it takes” attitude.
• First-Aid Training an asset.
• Team player
• Comfortable taking direction and working independently to achieve goals.
• Must provide a clear Police Records Check for service with the vulnerable sector.

COMPENSATION: this role will pay a flat rate of $1,500 for the length of the term (March-June).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1, 2027

We would like to thank all applicants for applying; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications received will be maintained on file for a period of 6 months and may be referenced for future staffing requirements.

Senators Sports & Entertainment supports the goals of Ontario Regulation 191/11 - Integrated Accessibility Standards and is pleased to accommodate applicants who have a disability during the recruitment process. Please inform the Human Resources Department at 613-599-0250 if you require disability-related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process.

SSE is committed to building an inclusive process that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

SSE confirms that it does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision-making tools in its recruitment or hiring processes. All candidate screening, evaluation, and selection decisions are conducted by human recruiters or hiring managers using predefined, job-related criteria, ensuring a fair, transparent, and human-led hiring process in compliance with applicable employment and privacy laws