You don't have to be a hockey expert to be a great youth hockey coach.

If you enjoy working with kids, love the game, and are willing to learn, we'd love to have you on the ice. MYH provides the training, resources, practice plans, and support you need to become a confident, effective coach.

Why Coach?

🏒 Help kids love hockey

🏒 Learn alongside your player

🏒 Become part of the MYH hockey community

🏒 Make a lasting impact

Resources: What It Takes to be a USA Hockey Coach

1. Register with USA Hockey as a coach.

2. Register with Middleton Youth Hockey as a coach (on this page).

3. USA Hockey Background Screening

4. SafeSport Training

5. USA Hockey Age-Specific Modules (complete by 12/31)

6. CEP Coaching Certification (complete by 12/31)

MYH will help you along the way:

🏒 Practice resources

🏒 USA Hockey development resources

🏒 MYH coaching resources

🏒 Coach education/support

🏒 Goalie coaching resources

🏒 Help from the ACE Director and Hockey Development Committee

MYH covers your coaching certification costs:

MYH reimburses required USA Hockey registration and certification expenses for coaches who are rostered with the club. You shouldn't have to pay out of pocket to volunteer.

Great MYH coaches:

🏒 Put kids first.

🏒 Create a positive, fun learning environment.

🏒 Are willing to learn and improve.

🏒 Teach skills and hockey sense—not just systems.

🏒 Help players build confidence, character, and a love for the game.

You don't need to know everything. You just need to be willing to learn.

If you have questions about coaching, please email our Association Coaching & Education Director at hockey@middletonyouthhockey.com.

For questions about background checks or SafeSport training, email our registrar at registrar@middletonyouthhockey.com.

Additionally, here is USA Hockey's "Steps to Become a USA Hockey Coach" support page.

I've never coached hockey before. Can I volunteer?

Absolutely. You don't need to be an experienced coach to get started. Many MYH coaches begin as assistants and learn along the way. If you enjoy working with kids, love the game, and are willing to learn, we'd love to have you.

Do I have to be a former hockey player?

No. Playing experience can be helpful, but being a great youth coach is about much more than knowing hockey. Patience, enthusiasm, organization, communication, and a willingness to learn are just as important.

What if I'm not ready to be a head coach?

Start as an assistant. Helping another coach is a great way to learn how MYH practices work, gain confidence, and decide whether coaching is something you'd like to pursue further.

What training do I need?

All MYH on-ice coaches must complete the USA Hockey requirements for their age level, including registration, background screening, SafeSport training, age-specific training, and the appropriate Coaching Education Program (CEP) requirements. The exact requirements depend on the level you coach.

What if I want to coach 6U or 8U?

The requirements are different for our youngest players. Coaches working with 6U or 8U should complete the USA Hockey 6U/8U Clinic, which is designed specifically for those age levels.

Does MYH pay for coaching certification?

Yes. Required USA Hockey coaching expenses are reimbursed by MYH for coaches who are rostered with the club for the season.

When should I complete my training?

As early as possible. Some USA Hockey courses fill well before the season begins, so don't wait until you're already on the ice. CEP certification requirements must be completed by December 31.

Who can help me figure out what I need to do?

We're happy to help. If you're unsure which courses or certifications apply to you, contact our Association Coaching & Education Director at hockey@middletonyouthhockey.com.

Questions about background screening or SafeSport can be directed to our registrar at registrar@middletonyouthhockey.com.

What does MYH expect from its coaches?

We ask our coaches to put players first, create a positive and challenging learning environment, continue developing their own coaching skills, and help kids build confidence, character, and a love for hockey.

You don't have to know everything to be a great coach. You just have to be willing to learn.