Assistant Prep Hockey Coach

Albany Academy•Albany, NY

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Albany Academy is seeking an Assistant Preparatory Hockey Coach to support the Head Coach in developing and sustaining a highly competitive, student-centered hockey program. This role is crucial in fostering athletic excellence, character development, sportsmanship, and academic success, helping student-athletes reach their full potential on and off the ice. The Assistant Coach will also play a vital role in recruiting talented student-athletes who will contribute positively to the school community and hockey program. Albany Academy is an independent Pre-K through Grade 12 school in Albany, New York, committed to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and strong character. Our faculty are passionate educators who serve as mentors, role models, and advocates, supporting the growth of the whole child through a rigorous curriculum, small class sizes, and individualized attention. The school values diverse perspectives and is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and academically excellent environment where students are inspired to lead lives of purpose, empathy, and integrity.

Requirements

Collegiate hockey playing experience and/or collegiate, junior, or prep school coaching experience preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of player development, game strategy, and practice design.
Strong recruiting background or demonstrated ability to build recruiting relationships.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to mentor adolescents in an independent school environment.
Clean and valid NYS driver's license and ability to travel extensively during the hockey season.
USA Hockey coaching certification (or ability to obtain).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Experience coaching in an independent or boarding school environment.
Established recruiting network within junior, prep, AAA, or elite youth hockey.
Experience assisting student-athletes with advancement to junior, collegiate, or professional hockey.
Familiarity with video analysis and player evaluation software.

Responsibilities

Assist the Head Coach in planning and conducting practices, skill development sessions, and game preparation.
Coach student-athletes during practices and competitions, providing technical instruction, tactical guidance, and constructive feedback.
Support individual player development through ongoing evaluation, goal setting, and mentorship.
Assist in implementing team systems, game strategies, and special teams.
Promote a culture of accountability, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect.
Assist with video analysis, opponent scouting, and player evaluations.
Support off-ice training, conditioning, and wellness initiatives in collaboration with athletic performance staff.
Supervise student-athletes during practices, competitions, team travel, and other program-related activities.
Encourage and monitor student-athletes' academic progress, personal growth, and leadership development.
Partner with the Head Coach to identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes who align with the school's academic standards, character expectations, and competitive goals.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with junior, youth, prep, AAA and club hockey coaches, advisors, billet families, and other key contacts to expand the program's recruiting network.
Attend showcases, tournaments, combines, camps, and other recruiting events to evaluate prospective student-athletes.
Build meaningful relationships with prospective students and their families while effectively communicating the school's academic programs, residential experience, athletic philosophy, and community values.
Work collaboratively with the Admissions Office throughout the recruitment and enrollment process, including prospect communication, application support, campus visits, and admissions events.
Assist in organizing prospect skates, recruiting weekends, open houses, and other events designed to showcase the hockey program and school.
Maintain accurate recruiting databases, player evaluations, communication records, and recruiting timelines.
Collaborate with the Head Coach to develop annual recruiting strategies that support both the immediate and long-term success of the program.
Serve as a positive ambassador for the school and hockey program within the hockey community.
Conduct all recruiting activities ethically and in accordance with school policies, league regulations, and applicable governing body guidelines.
Communicate effectively with student-athletes, families, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Assist with equipment management, travel logistics, scheduling, and other operational aspects of the program.
Support fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach initiatives as requested.
Ensure compliance with school policies, league regulations, and safety protocols.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head Coach, Director of Athletics, or school administration.