Coach
Guidelines, and support information for coaches
Coach Certification Requirement
Coaching certification
Police Check
The Shift Forward
Coaching Application
Team officials can access their certification records through the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR). The HCR portal allows you to:
- View current coaching and team official qualifications
- Confirm certification status and expiry dates
- Check the status of your Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
- Register for Hockey Alberta clinics and courses
- Access information on upcoming certification requirements
If your HCR profile is currently affiliated with another association, a profile transfer may be required before you can be rostered with Millwoods Hockey. To initiate a transfer, please provide your full name and date of birth.
For specific coaching certification requirements, please refer to the requirements table above.
If you have questions regarding profile transfers, certifications, or eligibility requirements, please contact the Operations Manager for assistance. To register for a coaches clinic and/or get more information visit the Hockey Alberta Coach Clinic Information page.
Coaches are also required to complete the Respect in Sport Activity Leader course. Please see the RIS Activity Leader page for more information. The RIS-Activity Leader certification must be valid for all coaches before they are allowed on the ice with a team, as you will not be rostered without this qualification.
What is a Police Information Check (PIC)?
What is a Police Information Check (PIC)?
Like any minor sports organization, one of the tools Millwoods Hockey is required to use to ensure the safety of our children is a Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check (PIC). This is required of any adult who plans to be a part of the training or coaching staff of one of our teams during the season. It is mandatory and no individual will be assigned to a team unless an application is completed. It is the responsibility of the coaching staff to reach out to the Registrar to request an application.
The results of a Police Information Check are only disclosed to the applicant. A Police Information Check only provides the information required for a volunteer organization to make an informed decision regarding the suitability of an applicant. This is only one factor when considering an applicant for volunteer positions and other attributes will also come into consideration.
- Must be 18 years or older to submit an application.
- Application has to be done through the Millwoods Hockey Program. The registrar will contact the Coach and send a link to complete the application.
- Police checks are valid for 2 years.
- There is no cost associated with the application.
- Millwoods Hockey does not keep copies of Police Checks received on file. It is recommended that you print/save a copy for your own future reference.
Working with City of Edmonton Police Service to Complete a PIC
- Hockey Alberta
- Hockey Alberta - Bylaws and Regulations
- Hockey Alberta - Coach-Manager Handbook - Minor Discipline
- Hockey Alberta - Insurance
Received a Letter to Attend
Some individuals may receive an "attend" letter requesting you to make a follow up appointment with the Edmonton Police Information Check Unit. This may be related to:
Submission of fingerprints to confirm or eliminate a criminal record associated to an applicants information.
Submission of fingerprints for the Vulnerable Sector search to confirm or eliminate a pardon associated, or possibly associated, to applicants’ information. Please see the RCMP website for more information.
To deal with outstanding warrant(s) on the National Police Computer System.
Disclosure of police related relevant occurrence report(s).
Failure to submit a self-declaration form if you have existing criminal conviction(s).
Note: Millwood's Hockey does not retain a copy of individual Police Check Results. It is recommended the applicant save their results PDF file for their own records before the online copy expires.
Heading into the 2026–2027 season, Hockey Canada will introduce The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture, a new national learning and development program designed to serve as the primary source of education and training for coaches, parents, and guardians.
The Shift Forward is an enhanced education initiative developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders across Hockey Canada–sanctioned programs. The goal is to better support participants and address unhealthy behaviours within the game, while actively contributing to positive cultural change in hockey.
Based on findings from Hockey Canada’s national Training Needs Analysis, there was strong feedback that education and training should be age-appropriate, modern, engaging, and relevant to how individuals participate in the sport. The program is designed to be progressive throughout a participant’s hockey journey, with content focused on evolving the culture of hockey both on and off the ice.
To support a smooth transition, Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta will continue to recognize valid Respect in Sport certifications for the duration of their current expiry periods.
The Shift Forward represents an important step toward fostering a healthier, more inclusive hockey environment for all participants in Canada’s national winter sport. Courses are now available for registration.
- The Shift Forward Coach Course
- Cost $27.00 pls GST
- Online Course - Length 90 minutes
- Millwoods Hockey will reimburse the cost of the Coach coach - please email your receipt upon completion to Kerri Bishop - seeraadmin@shaw.ca
Coaches who have a VALID Respect in Sport Activity Leader - do not need to take The Shift Forward course until the RIS Activity Leader course has expired.
Operation's Manager - Kerri Bishop seeraadmin@shaw.ca
Please Note: The Shift Forward Coach course is a different certification than the The Shift First Parent program, and bench staff will require both.
Coaches are an integral part of a successful hockey program. If you are interested in coaching this upcoming season, please review the information below.
All prospective Head Coaches for Millwoods Hockey are required to submit a Head Coach Application form.
Please note that Tier 1 applicants must complete a separate application, while all other tiers (Tiers 2–6) will use the standard Head Coach Application form.
Tier 1 applications close on May 20, 2026. Applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Head Coach selections will take place following the completion of evaluations. It is important to submit your application as early as possible so Category Directors can prepare a list of prospective coaches. Please ensure your cell phone number is included on your application so you can be contacted at the conclusion of evaluations.
If you have any questions regarding the Head Coach selection process, please contact your Category Director.
For more information on the criteria and requirements for Coaches, please check out the Coach Certification Requirements.
Coach Practice Plans
Hockey Canada Drill Hub
Are you a new coach, or maybe a returning coach, looking for ideas on how to put together a practice plan for your team?
We all know that sometimes, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Hockey Canada has a very helpful online resource called Drill Hub that might be that starting point you're looking for. Drill Hub is a resource for players and coaches of all levels. It has a growing library of drill videos, diagrams and descriptions categorized by skills, age group and other criteria. Coaches can use prepared practice plans or use Drill Hub to create their own customized plans (login account required).
Jump in and take a look.
Coaching Community
Another very helpful resource for new coaches are your fellow coaches. If you feel stuck, reach out to your Category Director, the Director of Development or another coach. Most experienced coaches are happy to provide ideas and will often share plans or drills they've used and found to be successful for skill development.
If you are around the rink while another team is on the ice practicing, consider sticking around to watch the drills they use and take notes. If it is an older group of skaters you can still get good ideas to use with younger players, it might simply require pulling back a bit and simplifying the drills to an appropriate level for your players.
Remember, you are not alone on your coaching journey. We are invested in seeing you and your players growing and developing skills that will lead to successful season. And that means more than just the score on the scoreboard.