The Ohio Blue Jackets and Total Package Hockey (TPH) Columbus are seeking an elite, culture-driven hockey professional to serve in a dual-capacity role as the Ohio Blue Jackets 17U Head Coach in the USA Hockey Development League (DL) and a Player Development Coach & Mentor at TPH Academy Columbus.
This hybrid position bridges high-performance academy training and competitive team play. During academy hours (Mornings), you will drive individual on-ice skill acquisition, video analysis, and character mentorship for student-athletes. Outside academy hours (Afternoons) and across weekends, you will lead the 17U DL team through competitive play, tactical execution, college/junior scouting exposure, and player advancement within the USA Hockey Development League framework.
Head Coach – Ohio Blue Jackets 17U DL
- Program Leadership: Direct all aspects of the 17U DL program including player recruitment, establishing a competitive, high-standard team culture aligned with the Ohio Blue Jackets’ development model. Assist as needed with other birth years and development plans for younger Ohio Blue Jackets players.
- Practice & Game Management: Design and run high-tempo, structured practices; manage game-day strategy, bench operations, and systems play.
- Player Promotion & Advancement: Actively network and advocate for 17U players with USHL, OHL, NAHL, NCAA, and junior hockey scouts, coaches, and general managers.
- USA Hockey DL Compliance: Ensure compliance with all USA Hockey, Development League, and organizational regulations, standards, and travel logistics.
- Communication & Evaluation: Conduct recurring 1-on-1 player evaluation meetings, maintain clear communication with parents, and provide objective scouting/performance assessments.
Player Development Coach & Mentor – TPH Academy Columbus
- On ice Skill Instruction: Lead specialized on-ice skill development sessions (skating mechanics, puck handling, positional habits, situational awareness) during scheduled academy training blocks.
- Video & Tactical Mentorship: Break down game and practice film with student-athletes to cultivate hockey IQ, habit awareness, and individual self-correction skills.
- Holistic Mentorship: Serve as an active daily role model for student-athletes, reinforcing TPH core values, academic accountability, work ethic, and leadership.
- Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Coordinate with TPH off-ice strength coaches, academic staff, and guest instructors to monitor comprehensive student-athlete workload and performance.
- On ice in spring and summer during EDG programming as assigned.
Requirements
- Coaching Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of competitive coaching & recruiting experience at the AAA, junior, collegiate, or professional level. Head coaching experience at the 16U/18U AAA or junior level preferred.
- Playing Experience: High-level competitive playing background (NCAA, Major Junior, Tier 1 Junior, or Professional) strongly preferred.
- Certification: USA Hockey Coaching Education Program Level 4 certification required (or ability to achieve/maintain appropriate status immediately), along with current SafeSport and screening clearance.
- Skill Teaching Acumen: Deep knowledge of contemporary skating technique, puck protection, small-area games, and tactical progression.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities suited for young athletes, parents, professional peers, and college/junior scouts.
- Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work a full-time, non-traditional athletic schedule, including early weekday academy hours, evening team practices, and weekend travel throughout the season.