2025-2026 Rep Coaches:
| Division |
Coach |
Email |
| U18AA |
Scott Walton |
Email |
| U18A |
Michael Murray |
Email |
| U18BB/B |
Joe Zinger |
Email |
| U15AA |
Trevor Elmslie |
Email |
| U15A/BB |
Marc De Filippis |
Email |
| U13AA |
Sandra Payne |
Email |
| U13A/BB |
Michael Johnston |
Email |
| U11AA/A |
Shawn Belisle |
Email |
| U11BB |
Shane Hart |
Email |
| U9B |
Paul Cullen |
Email |
Scott Walton:
Scott is a retired Canadian Armed Forces officer with 28 years of service. Upon retirement, he returned to Guelph and has been actively coaching in both the GMHA and GGHA associations. Before that, he spent eight years coaching with the Barrie Women’s Hockey Association, including three years as an assistant (video/bench coach) for the PWHL Barrie Jr Sharks.
Currently serving as Director of Hockey Operations for the GGHA, Scott is also a coach evaluator with the OWHA. This marks his sixth year with GGHA, where he has coached at the U18 AA and Bantam A levels. As a non-parent coach, he brings an unbiased approach to player and team development. His program emphasizes challenging players to grow while rewarding their efforts. The team will continue to develop talent, compete in showcase tournaments, and prepare athletes for opportunities beyond U18 hockey.
Michael Murray:
Mike has been coaching with GGHA for seven years. Growing up in Huron County, he played AAA minor hockey and Senior A in southwestern Ontario.
His coaching philosophy centers on fostering a fun, positive environment where players develop their skills, respect the sport, and commit to their teammates. He strives to inspire a lifelong passion for hockey, emphasizing continuous improvement, determination, perseverance, and playing every shift better than the last.
Joe Zinger:
Joe has been coaching hockey for 14 years with both GGHA and GMHA at various levels, from House League to U16BB.
He believes in leading by example to instill respect for both the game and the team. His coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship while recognizing and nurturing each player's unique talents. Under his guidance, players not only improve on-ice skills but also develop a deeper love for the game.
Joe prioritizes building a strong team culture based on mutual respect, where each player understands their role and value. His commitment to individual growth and team cohesion has made him a respected figure in the hockey community.
Trevor Elmslie:
Trevor has been coaching hockey since his daughters began playing, working with players from First Shift through U18 at levels ranging from B to AA. A Level 2C on-ice OMHA/OWHA referee, he brings extensive experience to the program.
For the past three years, he has coached the U18A team in Guelph, focusing on player development and preparing athletes for higher levels of competition. As a teacher with 26 years of experience, Trevor effectively engages athletes of different learning styles.
His goals are to develop the team as a cohesive unit, build players' confidence and skills for success beyond U18, and create a program that supports athletes’ well-being on and off the ice.
Marc De Filippis:
Marc has been coaching for seven seasons with GMHA, GGHA, and GRMGHI, progressing from U9 HL to U15 rep girls' hockey. As a youth, he played competitive A and AA hockey in King Township and refereed before attending the University of Guelph.
The focus for the U15 Tier 2 team this season will be on building a strong, supportive team environment where players respect each other's skills and work hard toward shared goals.
Sandra Payne:
Sandra has over a decade of coaching experience in women’s hockey, from B to the U16 Elite High-Performance program with the OWHA. She began playing hockey at age five and competed at the AA and university levels.
Her mission for the season is to develop players’ skills, hockey knowledge, and team culture in a safe, inclusive environment. Sandra and her staff are excited to join GGHA and guide the U13 AA/A team to success.
Michael Johnston:
Mike brings 25 years of coaching experience in both girls' and boys' rep hockey. A former rep player with the Chinguacousy Minor Hockey Association, he is now dedicated to developing young athletes.
His coaching philosophy revolves around three key pillars: game sense, attitude, and skills. He teaches players to always strive for improvement and give 110% effort on and off the ice. Mike fosters a safe, positive, and respectful environment through encouragement, structured teaching, and fair discipline. Open communication between parents, coaches, and players is central to his approach.
Shawn Belisle:
Shawn is excited to lead the U11 team this season. With three years of coaching experience in both girls' and boys' hockey, he brings a strong foundation of knowledge and passion to the game.
A former player and referee, Shawn emphasizes teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship. His goal is to create a positive team culture where players develop their skills, grow together, and enjoy the game.
Shane Hart:
Shane grew up in the GMHA system, eventually playing for the Guelph Storm as an undrafted local player. He won an OHL Championship in 2003-04, played five years with the Waterloo Warriors (CIS), and won a Semi-Pro championship with the Shreveport Mudbugs of the CHL.
His coaching experience includes a stint as an assistant coach with Guelph Junior B before returning to play. Over the past eight years, he has coached youth soccer and hockey while also working with elite-level hockey training programs.
Shane emphasizes player development, fostering a love for competition, and improving skills on and off the ice to drive success.
Paul Cullen:
Paul was born and raised in Guelph, learning to skate on a backyard rink. His passion for hockey was shaped by his family's deep ties to the sport—his grandfather Barry was a retired NHL player, and his uncle John played in the league throughout the '90s. Paul played in the GMHA house league before climbing to AAA and had the highlight of being called up to the Guelph Junior B team. His playing career may have ended after high school, but his love for the game remained.
Paul earned a degree in Automotive Management from Georgian College and now manages Barry Cullen Chevrolet Cadillac, continuing the family business tradition.
The 2025-2026 U9B season marks Paul's third year coaching, having previously developed the GGHA U7 team. He is excited to transition into the Rep system, focusing on building players’ skills, confidence, and passion for the game.