Description

Summary of Position

The San Diego Gulls Hockey Club is seeking an experienced Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach who supports the design, implementation, and supervision of all strength, conditioning, and recovery programs for AHL players. This role works closely with the Head Strength Coach, Athletic Trainers, and Coaching Staff to ensure each player maintains optimal physical performance, recovery, and injury resilience throughout the season.  The position requires a deep understanding of hockey-specific energy systems, periodization, and athlete monitoring within a high-performance environment.

Responsibilities

Program Implementation & Supervision

      Assist in developing and executing strength, power, speed, mobility, and conditioning programs tailored to hockey demands.

      Supervise and coach athletes through daily warm-ups, lifts, mobility sessions, and conditioning drills.

      Monitor training loads, recovery status, and performance metrics to adjust programs as needed.

      Ensure all sessions adhere to safe lifting techniques and evidence-based methodologies.

Player Monitoring & Testing

      Conduct and record performance testing (body composition, force plate, jump tests, VO, etc.).

      Assist with GPS/HR/velocity tracking systems to monitor workload and readiness.

      Help manage athlete databases and interpret data to guide training adjustments.

Collaboration & Communication

      Collaborate daily with medical staff on player status, injury modifications, and return-to-play protocols.

      Communicate regularly with coaching staff regarding player readiness and conditioning progress.

      Participate in staff meetings, film review, and pregame preparation when needed.

Nutrition & Recovery Support

      Provide nutritional guidance, hydration strategies, and supplementation support per league standards.

      Help oversee recovery protocols (mobility work, contrast baths, NormaTec, sleep monitoring, etc.).

Travel & Game Support

      Travel with the team as needed for road games and training camps.

      Coordinate pre-game activation, intermission mobility, and post-game recovery sessions.

Competency

      Professionalism and reliability in high-performance settings.

      Strong attention to detail and athlete safety.

      Ability to adapt training plans during a demanding 84-game season.

      Passion for player development and performance science.

Skills

      Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field.

      CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) through NSCA or equivalent.

      Minimum 1–2 years of experience in strength and conditioning, preferably in hockey or high-level team sport.

      Knowledge of hockey biomechanics, energy system demands, and in-season periodization.

      Proficiency in weightlifting, plyometric, and speed development techniques.

      CPR/AED certification.

Preferred

      Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology or Sports Performance.

      USA Hockey or NHL/AHL experience, internship, or team support background.

      Familiarity with Catapult, Polar, VALD, or other athlete monitoring tools.

      Strong communication and leadership skills in a team environment.