Hockey NL 2025-2026 Coaching Certifications Requirements
Hockey NL is committed to the development of coaches across the province. As a branch, we are pleased to be able to offer a variety of online and in-class clinics and programs to assist in the development and growth of all our coaches at every level.
Please review the important information below regarding clinic details, coaching requirements and changes to coaching certifications for this season.
HOCKEY NL COACH AND VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT CHART
The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture
The Shift Forward is a new, modernized education program developed by Hockey Canada in consultation with stakeholders to better support participants and address unhealthy behaviours in the game. Based on a national Training Needs Analysis, the program emphasizes age-appropriate, engaging, and progressive content tailored to how participants interact with hockey—on and off the ice.
For the 2025-26 season, Hockey Canada will pilot The Shift Forward with five Member Branches: Hockey New Brunswick, Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey PEI, Hockey Newfoundland & Labrador, and Hockey North.
**Note– Hockey NL has paused the requirement for Respect in Sport Parent program for the 2025-2026 season for new parents and will be transitioning to the Shift Forward : Evolving Culture for parents which will be available on May 1, 2026. At least one parent per registrant will be required to complete the Parent Program through Shift Forward by the start of the 2026-2027 hockey season.
The Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1
The Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1 is a risk management and safety education program for the volunteer Safety Person on all minor, junior, female and senior hockey teams. The goal of the program is to have you, the Safety Person, ensure safety is your primary responsibility and priority during all hockey-related activities, both on and off the ice. The program will allow you to utilize a proactive, preventative approach to safety while being prepared to react in the event of accidents, injuries or medical emergencies.
This course is online on-demand and once completed you will receive your completion status without any other necessary requirements.
Link- The Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1
Hockey Canada Coaching Program – Checking
The Hockey Canada Checking Skills Program is an education program for the volunteer coach on all minor and female hockey teams coaching at levels that require Checking Skills. The goal of the program is to have you, the Coach, ensure Checking safety is your primary responsibility and priority when teaching checking-related activities. The program will allow you to utilize a proactive, teaching approach about the progression of Checking skills required by players to participate in the game of hockey in a safe and fun manner.
This course is online on-demand and once completed you will receive your completion status without any other necessary requirements.
Link- Hockey Canada Coaching Program – Checking
Hockey Canada Coaching Program – Coach 1
This is Hockey Canada’s introduction to coaching program that is designed to review the basic tools coaches need in leadership, communication, teaching skills and lesson planning. This is taught with special considerations of the youngest athletes in mind.
Coaches looking to complete this certification must first complete the Online Learning Lab session. To coach U7, you must complete the Coach 1 U7 Pathway. To coach U9, complete the Coach 1 U9 Pathway.
Once successfully completed, coaches must then attend a 3 hour in-class clinic to go over supplementary material and participate in a one hour on-ice coaching session.
*Note– For a coach to be on the ice with our U7 & U9 players they MUST be Coach 1 trained. No other clinic certification replaces Coach 1.
Link to the on-demand course- Hockey Canada Coaching Program – Coach 1
In person clinics can be found at the following link, once developed: https://register.hockeycanada.ca/clinics
Hockey Canada Coaching Program – Coach 2
Hockey Canada Coach Level 2 follows the competency-based education and training method of learning and is an excellent course for all new and recreational-level coaches. The NCCP Coach Level introduces player development and teaches coach knowledge, skills and attitudes in a team environment, training environment, practice environment and game environment. The Coach Level emphasizes basic skills and the importance of having players develop confidence, self-esteem and a love for the game.
To coach U13, you must complete the Coach 2 U13 Pathway. This applies to all age groups—coaches must complete the appropriate Coach 2 Pathway for their desired level.
Once successfully completed, coaches must then attend a 3 hour in-class clinic to go over supplementary material and participate in a one hour on-ice coaching session.
Link to the on-demand course- Hockey Canada Coaching Program – Coach 2
In person clinics can be found at the following link, once developed: https://register.hockeycanada.ca/clinics
Development 1
The Hockey Canada Development 1 coaching program is divided into two key components: an online component accessed through the Hockey Canada Learning Lab and an in-class component, collectively covering 16 comprehensive modules. These modules provide an in- depth roadmap for coaching development, ensuring coaches are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to succeed at the competitive level. Throughout the course, participants will explore player development frameworks and learn how to apply them effectively to help athletes achieve their potential.
Objectives of the program:
- To understand and apply Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development Model (LTPD).
- Develop seasonal and practice plans that align with team goals and player development
- Enhance a coach’s ability to teach and refine technical skills, individual tactics, and team
- Utilize tools and resources such as the Hockey Canada Coaching Downloads and the
- Hockey Canada Network App to support coaching practices.
- Promote safe sport practices and foster a positive, inclusive team culture.
The pathway to become Development 1 Certified is as followed:
- Completion of the Development 1 online on-demand clinic. This is a prerequisite to attend an in-person Development 1 clinic.
- Completion of the Hockey Canada Checking Skills course. This course is online on-demand and once completed you will receive your completion status without any other necessary requirements.
- Completion of an in-class Development 1 Clinic or a Virtual Development 1 clinic through the Hockey Canada We are Coaches program.
- Completion of the Making Ethical Decision online on-demand clinic. Following the completion of the MED clinic coaches must complete the MED Course Evaluation through the coach.ca website.
- Completion of the Development 1 Workbook and completion of a Field Evaluation from a Hockey NL Coach Facilitator.
Link to the on-demand D1 Prerequisite- Hockey Canada Coaching Program – Development 1 Prerequisite
Link to the on-demand MED- Hockey Canada Coaching Program – Make Ethical Decisions
Link to the MED Online Evaluation- Make Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation
In person clinics can be found at the following link, once developed: https://register.hockeycanada.ca/clinics
2025-2026 Additional Details:
- Team Managers must complete The Shift Forward (Hockey Canada), Hockey NL Screening, and a Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check
- Goalie coaches must complete Goaltending 1 as well as, The Shift Forward (Hockey Canada), Hockey NL Screening and a Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Trainers must complete Safety Program Level 1, The Shift Forward, Hockey NL Screening, and a Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check.
- If a coach wishes to be proactive and complete their Development 1 for future coaching goals, they may do so if they have the necessary prerequisite certifications.
- All Clinics will be completed by January 31st.
- Certification Completion Deadline for 2025-26 Season- February 28th.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Marcus Power mpower@hockeynl.ca or Garry Dove gdove@hockeynl.ca
Thank you,
Marcus Power
Manager, Development & High-Performance
Garry Dove
Chair, Hockey Development
