2026-2027 Coaching Applications
As we approach the end of another successful hockey season, we first want to thank all of our volunteers who have contributed so much time and effort to make it a success. Coaches, managers, staff, and especially parents deserve a lot of praise and thanks for your dedication to our youth hockey program!
In preparation for the upcoming 2026 - 2027 season, we are now actively soliciting applications for head coaching positions for all teams. If you are interested in being considered as a head coach for: 8U Mites, House League, a Travel Team (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U), or the Louisville Metro High School Team, please complete the online coaching application no later than February 22, 2026.
Apply for a coaching position here: 2026 - 2027 Coaching Application
2026 - 2027 Coaching Application Overview
(to view as a document click here)
House Coaches (Estimate is 6-8 teams)
1 practice per week per House Team.
Games typically played every Saturday morning.
Start times, day of the week, and frequency may change.
Responsible for finding parent volunteers to help for on and off-ice responsibilities.
A team manager can be added to help.
Will clear everything with the Director of Hockey.
6U Mini-Mites Coach
Lead coach for all players 6 years old and younger.
Practice 2 times per week.
All 6U Mini-Mites practice together and the Head Coach sets up the practice plans.
All practices shall follow the USA Hockey ADM Model
In-House games will typically be played every other weekend.
Start times, day of the week, and frequency may change.
Responsible for finding parent volunteers to help for on and off ice responsibilities.
A team manager can be added to help.
Will clear everything with the Director of Hockey.
8U Mites Coach
Lead coach for all players 7-8 years old.
Practice 2 times per week.
All 8U Mites practice together and the Head Coach sets up the practice plans.
All practices shall follow the USA Hockey ADM Model
In-House and Travel Mites can be split into groups for a portion of the practice.
In-House games will typically be played every other weekend.
Start times, day of the week, and frequency may change.
Will select and create a roster for Travel players to participate in regional games and jamborees.
Mites Travel Roster(s) will play these Travel games in addition to the Mites In-House games.
Responsible for finding parent volunteers to help for on and off ice responsibilities.
A team manager can be added to help.
Will clear everything with the Director of Hockey.
Girls Coach
Practice 2 times per week.
1 practice is ½ ice sharing with another team.
Target of 20 games.
Age group and league will depend on participation and will be determined by Girls Coach.
Will clear everything with the Director of Hockey
10U-14U Travel Team Coaches
Practice 2 times per week.
All practices shall follow the USA Hockey ADM Model
40-50 game minimum requirement.
Required to join - BTHL (Buckeye Travel Hockey League) or SYTHL (Southern Youth Travel Hockey League).
Target of 2 teams per age group with the top players on the top teams for each.
Number of teams and size of roster for each are subject to number of travel players per age group.
Will clear everything with the Director of Hockey
16U Travel Team Coach
Required to join SYTHL (Southern Youth Travel Hockey League) or the SESCL (Southeastern Showcase League).
Roster to be filled from KAIHA 16U Players.
Team will play as Louisville Ice Cardinals if possible.
If not enough players, invitations to be sent out to other KY associations and team will play as Team Kentucky.
Players practice with their respective high schools, and additional practices are to be scheduled as needed if available.
20 Game minimum to qualify for the option of declaring for USA Hockey Nationals.
Required to work with Louisville High School Coaches for scheduling to attempt to avoid scheduling overlap.
Will clear everything with the Director of Hockey.
18U Travel Team Coach
Required to join SYTHL (Southern Youth Travel Hockey League) or the SESCL (Southeastern Showcase League).
Roster to be filled with 18U Players from all Kentucky Associations.
Team will play as Team Kentucky.
Players practice with their respective high schools, and additional practices are to be scheduled as needed or wanted if available.
20 Game minimum to qualify for the option of declaring for USA Hockey Nationals.
Required to work with Louisville High School Coaches for scheduling to avoid scheduling overlap when possible.
Will clear everything with the Director of Hockey.
Louisville Metro High School Coach
Varsity will play in the Kentucky State High School Hockey League (KHSHL).
Goal to have Varsity and Junior Varsity rosters.
JV Coach may be added if there are enough players for a stand-alone team.
Minimum of 20 games season.
This includes a mix of both JV and Varsity level games.
Practice 2 times per week.
Will work with 16U and 18U Coaches for game scheduling to prevent overlap issues.
Will clear everything with the Director of Hockey.
Apply for a coaching position here: 2026 - 2027 Coaching Application
Deadline to apply is February 22, 2026
Applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview with Louie Abounader - our Director of Hockey - and members of the Coaching Selection Committee.
Thank you,
KAIHA Board