The purpose of this study is to investigate which coaching competencies coaches should possess according to Swedish ice hockey associations to create a satisfactory performance environment, and to examine any differences between elite and non-elite associations regarding coaching competencies and recruitment process. The studies theoretical perspective is partly coaching competencies, with focus on professional-, interpersonal- and intrapersonal knowledge and recruitment. A gap in the knowledge is visible where there is no previous research on coaching knowledges in Swedish ice hockey in the last twenty years. The previous research has instead chosen to focus on certain crucial factors for coaches in general, however nothing specific for coaches in Swedish ice hockey. Therefore, it is considered that there is a need to investigate what ice hockey associations in Sweden are looking for in coaching competencies when recruiting at junior level. To answer the questions and the purpose, both a questionnaire survey and interviews were used to receive in-depth and broad answers about the problems. The results of the study show that there are four competencies that are the most important for a junior coach to possess according to ice hockey associations in Sweden. These competencies are the pedagogical competence, the communication competence, the ice hockey tactical competence and being relationship oriented. The result of the study shows that there is no significant difference between elite and non-elite associations regarding these four coaching competencies, however these competencies were sought after regardless of the association’s ambition levels. The result of the study indicates that the view of coaching skills has changed in the last twenty years. The result of the study also indicates that Swedish ice hockey associations use an informal network of contacts, where a recruitment channel most often were used. The difference between elite and non-elite associations in the recruitment process is availability, the economic factors and how large a network of contacts they have access to. On the other hand, associations, regardless of their level of ambition, feel that the time aspect of the recruitment process is the contributing factor to the difficulty of recruiting coaches who possess the right skills.