Performance Reconditioning Specialist Vegas Golden Knights

Performance Reconditioning Specialist

The Performance Reconditioning Specialist is a member of the Sports Performance Department and reports administratively to the Director of Sports Performance & Head Strength & Conditioning Coach. This position designs and delivers comprehensive Return-to-Performance (RTPf) and player reconditioning programs following completion of medical rehabilitation, restoring players to optimal NHL performance through evidence-informed physical preparation, objective performance assessment, progressive conditioning, movement restoration, and hockey-specific performance development. The incumbent maintains dual credentials as either ATC/CSCS or PT/CSCS, enabling the delivery of Licensed Clinical Care during team travel and designated operational situations. Licensed Clinical Care is performed under the medical direction of the Team Physician and Director of Sports Medicine. Sports Medicine retains ownership of medical diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation planning, Return-to-Play, and medical clearance.

Administrative reporting to the Director of Sports Performance & Head Strength & Conditioning Coach. Clinical Oversight: Team Physician and Director of Sports Medicine when providing Licensed Clinical Care. Collaborates with Sports Medicine, Performance Scientist, Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition, Mental Performance, Coaching Staff and Hockey Operations.

Return-to-Performance Programming

Design, implement, and supervise individualized, phase-based Return-to-Performance (RTPf) programs that safely and efficiently transition players from medical rehabilitation to elite NHL competition. Develop progressive performance plans using objective performance criteria to include but not limited to strength, power, speed, skating, conditioning, movement quality, and hockey-specific physical demands throughout each stage of the Return-to-Performance process.

Performance Reconditioning

Develop and deliver comprehensive off-ice performance reconditioning programs that restore strength, power, speed, conditioning, movement efficiency, and sport-specific physical capacities following injury. Progress players through evidence-informed training interventions designed to optimize physical readiness and prepare them for unrestricted participation at the NHL level.

Performance Assessment

Conduct objective performance assessments throughout the Return-to-Performance process to evaluate physical readiness, movement quality, neuromuscular function, and sport-specific performance capacities. Collaborate with the Performance Scientist to interpret assessment results and utilize objective performance data to guide progression decisions, modify training interventions, and support evidence-informed return-to-performance planning.

Licensed Clinical Care

Provide Licensed Clinical Care during team travel and other designated operational circumstances consistent with professional licensure and organizational policies. Responsibilities include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise progression, soft tissue treatment, taping, recovery interventions, and other clinically appropriate services that support continuity of player care. All Licensed Clinical Care is delivered under the medical direction of the Team Physician and Director of Sports Medicine, with documentation maintained in accordance with professional standards and organizational policies.

Player Education

Educate players throughout the Return-to-Performance process on recovery strategies, workload progression, movement quality, injury risk reduction, and performance expectations. Promote player accountability and foster an understanding of the physical and performance objectives necessary for a safe and successful return to elite NHL competition.

Professional Practice Responsibilities

Design and oversee comprehensive player development programs; implement individualized physical preparation strategies; coordinate player education initiatives; monitor training adaptation and progression; support injury prevention strategies; contribute to Return-to-Performance planning; and participate in organizational research and innovation initiatives. Conduct player monitoring, readiness assessments, workload evaluations, and performance assessment.

Collaboration & Decision-Making

Primary Ownership: Return-to-Performance programming performance reconditioning, performance progression, performance restoration, and objective RTPf assessment. Collaborative Responsibilities: Rehabilitation transitions, player monitoring, strength & conditioning, nutrition, recovery, player availability, and on-ice reconditioning planning with skills coach. Advisory Responsibilities: Performance readiness, training modifications, and practice integration

Qualifications

Degree in Athletic Training or Physical Therapy, Exercise Science, Kinesiology or related field. ATC or PT credential required. CSCS certification required. Master's degree preferred. 35 years of elite or professional sport experience preferred.

Core Competencies

Return-to-Performance; Performance Reconditioning; Strength & Conditioning; Manual Therapy; Player Development; Performance Assessment; Communication; Collaboration; Clinical Reasoning; Coaching Excellence.

Success Measures

Success is demonstrated through restoration of pre-injury performance, safe Return-to-Performance progression, achievement of objective performance benchmarks, effective interdisciplinary collaboration, high-quality Licensed Clinical Care during travel.

Travel & Work Environment

NHL travel includes training camp, regular season, playoffs and off-season development activities as required. Ability to provide both performance coaching and Licensed Clinical Care during travel assignments. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.