Junior Coaches / 2026-2027
Southwest Hockey’s Junior Coach program gives our U15 and U18 athletes a chance to step into leadership, build confidence, and make a real impact on the next generation of Cougars.
It’s a fun and rewarding way for older players to stay connected to the game they love while helping younger athletes learn, grow, and enjoy their season. Whether they’re offering encouragement, demonstrating skills, or bringing positive energy to the ice, our Junior Coaches play an important role in shaping a supportive and vibrant hockey community within Southwest Hockey.
It’s a fun and rewarding way for older players to stay connected to the game they love while helping younger athletes learn, grow, and enjoy their season. Whether they’re offering encouragement, demonstrating skills, or bringing positive energy to the ice, our Junior Coaches play an important role in shaping a supportive and vibrant hockey community within Southwest Hockey.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Junior Coach program provides structured mentorship opportunities for U15 and U18 athletes.
Junior Coaches support younger teams under the guidance of Coaches and the Director/Assistant Director of Coaches, helping create a positive and development‑focused environment.
Junior Coaches support younger teams under the guidance of Coaches and the Director/Assistant Director of Coaches, helping create a positive and development‑focused environment.
eligibility
This opportunity is open to currently rostered U15 and U18 Southwest Hockey athletes.
Junior Coaches are assigned based on age, experience, and team needs — not on a first‑come, first‑serve basis. Expressing interest does not guarantee placement, as positions are limited and reviewed by the Director of Coaches.
Junior Coaches are assigned based on age, experience, and team needs — not on a first‑come, first‑serve basis. Expressing interest does not guarantee placement, as positions are limited and reviewed by the Director of Coaches.
ASSIGNMENTS
Approved Junior Coaches are placed with teams in the U7 to U13 divisions.
U15 athletes are typically assigned to U7, U9, or U11. U18 athletes are generally placed with U11 or U13.
Placement decisions are made to ensure the best fit for both the Junior Coach and the team, and are communicated directly by the Director or Assistant Director of Coaches.
U15 athletes are typically assigned to U7, U9, or U11. U18 athletes are generally placed with U11 or U13.
Placement decisions are made to ensure the best fit for both the Junior Coach and the team, and are communicated directly by the Director or Assistant Director of Coaches.
EXPECTATIONS
Junior Coaches are expected to attend 7 to 10 practices throughout the season and act as positive role models for younger athletes.
Their role is to support the team they’ve been assigned to — Junior Coaches are not on the ice to work on their own skills.
Junior Coaches must remain focused on assisting, encouraging, and guiding the younger players during every session. Appropriate behaviour is required at all times.
Failure to follow the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action under Southwest Hockey or governing‑body policies, including removal from the program or suspension.
Their role is to support the team they’ve been assigned to — Junior Coaches are not on the ice to work on their own skills.
Junior Coaches must remain focused on assisting, encouraging, and guiding the younger players during every session. Appropriate behaviour is required at all times.
Failure to follow the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action under Southwest Hockey or governing‑body policies, including removal from the program or suspension.
VOLUNTEER BOND
Junior Coaching can be used toward a family’s Volunteer Bond requirement. Attending five practices with the assigned team equals two credits, and four credits are required to complete the bond. Attendance may be verified with the Head Coach as needed.
QUESTIONS ABOUT JUNIOR COACHES
Families with questions before applying may contact the Director of Coaches for clarification or guidance.
Once an application is approved, the Director or Assistant Director will follow up with next steps and instructions.
Once an application is approved, the Director or Assistant Director will follow up with next steps and instructions.