Local hockey coaches in Watson Lake who are interested in leading athletes at the territorial level have until May 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM to apply for the upcoming High Performance 1 coach seminar. This certification is a mandatory requirement for any individual who wishes to coach Team Yukon at the 2027 Canada Winter Games, which will take place in Quebec City from February 27 to March 14, 2027.
The seminar is delivered by BC Hockey, which oversees coaching development for both British Columbia and Yukon on behalf of Hockey Canada, with support from Hockey Yukon. It consists of approximately 40 hours of combined virtual and in-person instruction. Participants will complete an online portion from May 22 to May 24, 2026, followed by an in-person session in Kelowna, British Columbia, from June 20 to June 21, 2026. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including team management, bench strategies, and advanced skill development.
The Watson Lake Minor Hockey Association is one of approximately 10 associations across the territory that may see coaches benefit from this training. Interested applicants must submit their registration through their Spordle account, as space in the seminar is limited. To achieve full certified status, coaches must eventually complete additional requirements, including field evaluations and online modules provided by the Coaching Association of Canada, by October 15 of the second year following their attendance.
Beyond the immediate goal of the 2027 Canada Winter Games, this certification is a professional milestone for coaches working with high-performance athletes. It qualifies successful participants to serve as head coaches for several competitive levels, including Junior A and various AAA-level teams.
