LA Kings - Head Athletic Trainer

LA Kings - Head Athletic Trainer

El Segundo, CA

The Los Angeles Kings are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Head Athletic Trainer who will be integral to the daily management of player health and wellness. This individual will serve as a key member within a team of professionals that is committed to inspiring leadership, and consistent, long-term excellence in both on-and off-ice operations. They will be asked to lead the day-to-day delivery of athletic training services for our NHL roster. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for player health and wellness, injury evaluation, treatment, and prevention. This position reports directly to the Director of Player Health and Performance, while collaborating closely with team physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, performance staff, and coaching personnel to optimize the health and availability of all players throughout the season and offseason.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with the implementation of comprehensive injury prevention protocols in collaboration with the rehabilitation and strength and conditioning staff
• Conduct individualized assessments to identify and mitigate injury risk factors
• Manage all pre-game and practice preparation
• Serve as the primary emergency medical responder for training and competition
• Ensure all game day medical operations align with NHL and LA Kings protocols
• Provide immediate on-ice and bench-side evaluation and first aid for all acute injuries during games and practices
• Provide exceptional manual and restorative therapy to all players.
• Assist with player monitoring and recovery programs.
• Assist in the development of individualized rehabilitation programs for injured players in coordination with team physicians and the athletic medicine staff
• Participate in the return-to-play process, ensuring players are cleared according to established medical and performance benchmarks
• Serve as the primary liaison between players, team physicians, and the Director of Player Health and Performance regarding all medical matters
• Coordinate specialist referrals, imaging, and surgical consultations as directed by team physicians
• Maintain timely and accurate communication with coaching staff regarding player availability and health status
• Work in collaboration with the equipment department to ensure efficient and optimized team travel
• Maintain confidential and thorough medical records for all players in accordance with HIPAA, NHL, and organizational policies
• Manage the athletic training room operations including equipment, supplies inventory, and budget oversight
• Ensure full compliance with all NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions related to player health and medical services
• Manage the anti-doping program in accordance with NHL/NHLPA Drug Testing Agreement requirements
• Supervise and mentor assistant athletic trainers and support staff within the player health department
• Collaborate with AHL affiliate athletic training staff to ensure continuity of care and organizational standards across all levels
• Identify and define areas of improvement in existing operations and practices, with a focus on injury management and prevention.
• Effectively and purposefully communicate with all Hockey Operations colleagues, with a focus on transparency, professionalism, and excellence.
• Build and support effective cross-departmental relationships
• Contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of the Kings' integrated health and performance model

Qualification Standards:

Required:

• Master's degree in Athletic Training or related field
• BOC certification (ATC)
• Current California state licensure or eligibility
• Minimum 8+ years of professional or elite collegiate athletic training experience
• Demonstrated experience working within a high-performance, multidisciplinary sports environment
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate care across medical, performance, and coaching staff
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification
• Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems
• Ability to make independent, high-stakes medical decisions in fast-paced, live competition environments
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with elite athletes and collaborate across all levels of the organization
• Ability to translate complex medical information into actionable insights for coaches and hockey operations
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and developing staff
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential medical information
• Strong organizational and operational management skills, including budgeting, logistics, and travel coordination
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation in sports medicine and performance

Preferred:

• Previous NHL or professional hockey experience
• Prior experience in a Head Athletic Trainer or senior leadership role
• Advanced certifications (e.g., CSCS, PES, manual therapy, ART, dry needling where applicable)
• Strong understanding of hockey-specific injury patterns and return-to-play protocols
• Experience integrating sports science and load monitoring data into player management
• Experience managing concussion protocols and post-surgical rehabilitation at the elite level
• Familiarity with NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), IR/LTIR processes, and league medical protocols
• Experience coordinating specialist care, imaging, and surgical pathways for professional athletes
• Exposure to international competition or high-performance global sport environments
• Experience with GPS/wearable technologies and athlete monitoring systems

Work Environment & Demands:

This position requires extensive travel throughout the NHL season, including all home games at Crypto.com Arena and all away games. The Head Athletic Trainer must be available for all team activities including practices, games, team travel, training camp, and playoff competition. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours are standard.

Payscale: $200,000 - $230,000

Bonus: This position is eligible for a bonus under the current bonus plan requirements.

Benefits: Full-time: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, company paid basic life insurance, voluntary life insurance, parental leave, 401k Plan (with a current employer match of 3%), flexible spending and health savings account options, and wellness offerings.