Student Coach Eligibility

Student Coaches in the Blue Jackets Hockey League must be Sophomores or older. Additionally, they must complete an online Student Coach Certification, an in-person training (see below), and be willing to commit to helping for the entire season. We know your schedules are busy, we do not expect 100% attendance but we expect a full season commitment!

Student Coach Opportunities!

This season we have two options for student coaches. If you choose to be an Assistant Team Coach, please note that you will have games on Saturday or Sunday. We know you have your own schedule so you do not need to make all your team events but a commitment is expected!

This season, all student coaches will be working with 6U and 8U players at their chosen rink!

Assistant Team Coach

• Be assigned to a team with a dedicated volunteer coach to help assist with practices and games for that group of athletes
• Follow the same group of athletes all season
• Regular practice schedule, game schedules may vary
• Commitment ranges from 2 hours a week (6U/8U) to 3 hours a week (10U/12U)

Practice Coach

• Assist at practices for a wide range of athletes, gaining experience running a variety of activities for a variety of athletes
• Set schedule every week - one night a week 1-2 hours a night

Goalie Coach

• Assist goalies at practice, working particularly with our younger athletes trying goalie for the first time or getting back in the net
• Help put on and take off quick change gear
• Set schedule every week - one night a week 1-2 hours a night

Important Dates

Student Coach In-Person Training

The Blue Jackets Hockey League will be hosting an in-person training for Student Coaches. The evening will include practicing coaching skills, pizza, sodas, and a chance to pick up your gear for the 26-27 season!

• 📆 - October 6, 2026
• ⏱️ - 6:00-7:30pm
• 📍 - Location TBD

You can register for the event in the Blue Jackets Hockey League App once you are a registered Student Coach.

6U/8U Practice Schedules by Rink:

• Chiller Dublin: Tuesday or Thursday
• Chiller North: Monday or Tuesday
• Chiller Easton: Thursday or Friday

Additional Important Dates:

• First Practices: Week of October 12th
• Thanksgiving Break: November 23-29th
• Holiday Break: December 14th-January 3rd
• Last Practices: Week of February 22nd

Benefits of Being a Student Coach!

1. It's Fun!

The top reason kids play sport is also one of the top reasons people volunteer to coach, enjoyment! Helping young athletes learn the game and grow their skills is a lot of fun!

2. Make an Impact!

Serving as a Student Coach in the Blue Jackets Hockey League means you play a big role in positively impacting the growth and development of young athletes. By serving as a positive role model to young players, you are someone they can look up to for character and life development, along with getting better on the ice! Student Coaches also play a key role in keeping kids motivated to stay in the sport, contributing to the healthy lifestyle of young athletes!

3. Gain Experience!

Student Coaching is a great way to gain experience and enhance leadership skills in a collaborative environment. The support from the League Staff with resources and trainings as well as the peer community around the rinks offers a chance to grow and develop yourself! Not only will you learn some new skills, you will also gain a better understanding of yourself and how to interact with a variety of individuals!

4. Join a Community!

With 30 Student Coaches last season, you will join a large community in Columbus committed to the development of young people. You will also have a closer knit community around your rink and team which is a great chance to make or strengthen friendships and a sense of community!

5. It is Fulfilling!

Do you remember your first time on the ice? What about your first basket on the court? Your first A+ in school? You were probably filled with joy and excitement! Chances are your coach or teacher was also, and proud of the effort and commitment it took for that to happen! Being a part of helping young athletes score their first goal, get their first assist, develop their skating skills, and most importantly finding their joy for sport is a uniquely rewarding experience!

6. Fulfill Community Service Requirements

The Blue Jackets Hockey League is a fun, engaging environment that will help you fulfill any service requirements for school, college applications, or clubs. It is also a great way to get more ice time and teach your skills to young athletes!