Hockey NL is committed to the development of coaches across the province. As a branch, we are pleased 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.
Coaches working with U7 and U9 players — both Head Coach and Assistant Coach — are required to complete Hockey Canada Coach 1 and the Hockey NL In-Class Coach 1 clinic.
- Hockey Canada Learning Lab online session (Coach 1)
- Hockey NL in-class Coach 1 clinic
- The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture (online, all volunteers)
- Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1 (online, required for at least one staff member per bench)
- Hockey NL Screening and Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check (all volunteers)
All clinics must be completed by January 31, with certification finalized by February 28, 2027.
Coaches working with U11 to U18 House and Rep teams, and Junior High School — both Head Coach and Assistant Coach — are required to complete Hockey Canada Coach 2 and the Hockey NL In-Class Coach 2 clinic.
- Hockey Canada Learning Lab online session (Coach 2)
- Hockey NL in-class Coach 2 clinic
- The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture (online, all volunteers)
- Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1 (online, required for at least one staff member per bench)
- Hockey NL Screening and Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check (all volunteers)
All clinics must be completed by January 31, with certification finalized by February 28, 2027.
Coaches at the AAA, High Performance, and Junior B/Senior levels follow a more advanced certification pathway than House and Rep coaches:
- U13–U16 AAA and High School: Head Coach requires Development 1 and Hockey Canada Skills – Checking. Assistant Coach requires Hockey Canada Coach 2 (or Development 1 & Checking for U15 AAA and U15 AAA Female).
- U18 AAA and U18 AAA Female: Head Coach requires High Performance 1. Assistant Coach requires Development 1 and Hockey Canada Skills – Checking.
- Junior B & Senior: Head Coach requires Development 1. Assistant Coach requires Hockey Canada Coach 2.
Development 1 includes an online component through the Hockey Canada Learning Lab, which must be completed before the in-person session. Hockey Canada Skills – Checking is an on-demand Learning Lab course.
The Shift Forward, Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1, and Hockey NL Screening/CRC-VSC requirements apply the same way as for all other divisions.
All clinics must be completed by January 31, with certification finalized by February 28, 2027.
