2026-2027 Rep Coaches:
| Division |
Coach |
Email |
| U18AA |
Sandra Payne |
Email |
| U18A |
Michael Murray |
Email |
| U18BB |
Joe Zinger |
Email |
| U15AA |
Chihiro Suzuki |
Email |
| U15A |
Jon Hillman |
Email |
| U15BB |
Michael Johnston |
Email |
| U13AA |
Shawn Belisle |
Email |
| U13A |
Caroline Ross |
Email |
| U11AA |
Shane Hart |
Email |
| U11A |
Joel Agnew |
Email |
| U11BB/B |
Sean Hill |
Email |
| U9B |
Caitlin Warren |
Email |
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 U18 AA team to success.
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 15 years with both GGHA and GMHA at various levels, from House League to U18BB.
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.
Chihiro Suzuki:
A Yokohama Japan native and University of Guelph Women’s hockey program alumni, has served as the assistant coach with the Guelph Gryphons U18AA team since 2023-24 season. As a player, Chi has played in several countries including the US, Japan, and China before settling in Canada. After playing minor hockey for Belleville, Napanee and Kingston, Chi played two seasons (2018-19, 2019-20) with the Kingston Jr Ice Wolves where she was a part of the most successful team in its program history recording 27 wins in 38 regular season games, alongside a provincial silver medal, as well as a bronze medal at the PWHL Final Four tournament.
As a student Athlete at Guelph, Chi played 4 seasons for the Gryphons including the 2022-23 seasons when the team set the program record for most wins in a season with 23. Outside of Guelph, Chi has also competed in the FISU world University Games as a member of Team Japan, where the team finished the highest its ever finished in the tournament with a silver medal. In 2023, Chi was named to the senior National team roster where she competed in the IIHF world championships in Brampton ON.
Chi has also graduated from the Creating Coaches program sanctioned by USports and Hockey Canada with a goal of developing female coaches in the game of hockey. Chi will be working closely with the Guelph Girls Hockey Association (GGHA) with skills development as well as her continued roll as an assistant coach with the U18AA program.
Shawn Belisle:
Shawn is excited to lead the U13 team this season. With four 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 nine 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.