Guild Hockey Development
Guild Hockey Development

Train the Mind.
Elevate the Player.

Your child has the talent. What separates good players from elite ones isn't skill — it's the mindset that performs under pressure, bounces back from failure, and earns the trust of every coach in the room.

Confidence
Adversity
Accountability
Definition

What is a Guild?

Guild Hockey Development

"A Guild is a group built on growth, accountability, and mental strength. It's where players don't just get better… they become different."

Confidence  ·  Adversity  ·  Accountability
For Parents

We Know What You're
Worried About

You've invested everything in your child's game. The ice time, the gear, the travel. But something's still holding them back.

They give up when things get hard

One bad shift, one missed shot — and their head drops. It affects the whole game.

They underperform in tryouts

You see their skill in practice, but when it counts, the nerves take over.

They don't believe in themselves

Talent without confidence stalls. They need to know they belong on the ice.

Their skating or skills are plateauing

They've hit a ceiling that more repetition alone isn't breaking through.

This Is Exactly
What We Fix.

At Guild Hockey Development, we don't just work on stride mechanics and shot technique. We build the mental foundation that makes all the physical training stick.

We teach players how to compete — how to shake off a bad play, how to lead in a locker room, how to show up every single day with purpose. That's what coaches at the next level are looking for.

"Your child doesn't need to be better. They need to believe they are — and then prove it."
What We Offer

Three Programs.
One Standard.

Every program is designed to develop the complete player — technically sharp and mentally unbreakable.

01
Mental Performance Coaching

One-on-one coaching targeting confidence, focus, and adversity management. Three structured levels based on where your player is right now — starting at $60/session.

View Program
02
On-Ice Skating & Skills

Private and small-group on-ice training tailored to your player's position and level. Edge work, puck skills, shooting mechanics, and competitive accountability built in.

View Program
03
Online Development

Structured mental performance modules, video breakdowns, and weekly check-ins. Full access to the Guild development system for $200/month.

View Program
—
About Justin

Every program is built from real coaching experience and a belief that the mental side of hockey is the most underleveraged part of player development.

Meet the Coach
"
Skill gets you on the ice. Mindset keeps you there.
— Justin Filippelli, Guild Hockey Development
The Method

Built on Three
Pillars

C

Confidence

Real confidence — not the kind that crumbles under pressure, but the kind earned through doing the work. Players who know why they belong in any room.

A

Adversity

Bad games, bad shifts, bad seasons — we treat them as data, not failure. The players who reach elite levels are the ones who fall and get back up faster than anyone else.

A

Accountability

Elite players hold themselves to a standard — not because someone is watching, but because they chose to. We build that internal standard from day one.

What to Expect

What Changes
and When

Mental performance isn't a switch — it's a system. Here's what players and parents typically experience at each stage.

4
4 Weeks
The Foundation Shift

Players start noticing their own patterns — what triggers frustration, what kills their focus, what they do after a bad shift.

Attitude begins to shift. Less blame, more ownership. Parents often notice this first.

A pre-game routine starts to take shape — something to anchor to before every game.

They stop waiting for confidence to show up. They start building it deliberately.

"Something feels different about the way he carries himself."
12
12 Weeks
The Competitive Edge

Players compete harder in pressure situations — tryouts, big games, evaluation moments — instead of shrinking.

Bouncing back from mistakes becomes faster and more automatic. One bad shift stops defining the whole game.

Consistency improves. Good games stop feeling like accidents and bad games stop feeling permanent.

Coaches start noticing. Body language, compete level, and leadership in the room all reflect the internal work.

"His coach called me to ask what changed."
36
36 Weeks
They Become Different

The mental habits are no longer something they practice — they're part of who they are as a player and a person.

Leadership shows up naturally. They hold themselves and teammates to a higher standard without being asked.

They perform their best hockey in the highest-pressure moments — not despite the pressure, but because of the preparation.

The confidence is real, earned, and durable — not dependent on the last game going well.

"He doesn't just skate better. He walks into every rink differently."

Results vary by player and depend on consistency and commitment. These timelines reflect what Justin typically sees across players who show up every week and do the work between sessions. The free intro call is the best place to talk through realistic expectations for your specific player.

Early Results

What Parents
Are Saying

★★★★★
"After just a month, my son's entire attitude changed. He stopped blaming teammates and started holding himself accountable. His coach even called me to ask what changed."
Sarah M.
Parent of AAA Bantam Player
★★★★★
"My son had the skill but he was terrified of tryouts. The tools he learned — routines, mental prep, how to reset — made a real difference when it counted."
Dan T.
Parent of U16 Forward
★★★★★
"We'd tried other trainers and nothing clicked. The combination of on-ice work and mental coaching is different. He doesn't just skate better — he competes harder."
Jennifer R.
Parent of Midget Minor Player
FAQ

Questions
Answered

Everything parents ask before reaching out — answered honestly.

About the Programs
Every player starts with a free 10-minute intro call before any sessions begin. Justin talks with you and your player to understand where they are mentally, what's holding them back, and what they're working toward. From there he recommends the right tier — no guessing, no upselling.
Yes — and it's actually the most effective combination. The mental and physical sides of the game reinforce each other. Players who train both with Justin develop faster because the mindset work directly improves how they show up on the ice. Justin builds the two programs to complement each other.
At this time Guild Hockey Development does not offer goalie-specific training. Programs are focused on skaters — forwards and defensemen at all levels. If you have a goalie, reach out directly and Justin can point you in the right direction.
Guild works with players at any level — from youth hockey all the way through junior and high-performance athletes. The program is tailored to where the player is, not their age. If they're serious about getting better, they're the right fit.
About the Process
Most players and parents notice a shift in attitude and self-awareness within the first 3–4 sessions. Deeper changes — consistent composure under pressure, stronger compete level, improved leadership — typically show up clearly by weeks 8–12. The longer a player commits, the more durable the results.
It's a 10-minute conversation — no pitch, no pressure. Justin talks with you about your player: where they are right now, what's frustrating you, and what they're hoping to accomplish. From there he'll tell you honestly whether Guild is a good fit and which program makes the most sense. If it's not the right fit, he'll tell you that too.
For mental performance coaching, once a week is the standard cadence and what all packages are built around. Biweekly is available for players with tighter schedules. For private skills training, frequency is flexible and discussed during the intro call based on your player's schedule and goals.
Mental performance coaching can be done in person or via video call — whichever works best for your schedule. Private skills training is on-ice and in person. The online development program (coming soon) is fully remote and self-paced.
About Pricing
Per-session pricing gives you full flexibility — pay as you go with no commitment. Packages are priced the same per session but when paid in full upfront you save 10%. Packages also help players stay consistent, which is where the real results come from. The longer the package, the more you save overall.
Life happens. Justin asks for 24 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules — sessions cancelled with less notice may be forfeited. If you need to end a package early, unused sessions are handled fairly on a case-by-case basis. The goal is always to keep players developing, not to lock anyone in.
About the Online Program
The online program is currently in development. Fill out the contact form and mention your interest — Justin will reach out personally when it's ready to launch. Early interest helps shape what gets built first.
The online program includes structured mental performance modules covering every pillar of the Guild method, video breakdowns and dryland skill work, weekly accountability check-ins with Justin, and access to the Guild community — a private group of players holding each other to the same standard. Everything is self-paced but structured around weekly progress.
Still have questions?

Justin answers every message personally — usually within a few hours.

Get Started

Your Player's Next
Level Starts Here

Reach out directly or fill out our contact form — we'll find the right program for your child together.

Programs

Training Built for the Complete Player

Three programs. Each one designed to close the gap between where your player is and where they want to be.

Program 01
Mental Performance
Coaching

One-on-one sessions targeting the mental habits that separate competitive players from elite ones. Every session is fully personalized to your player — their goals, their challenges, and where they are right now.

Every player begins with a free 10-minute intro call before any sessions start. No commitment required.

"
The mental game isn't a bonus — it's the foundation everything else is built on.
Justin Filippelli
What the Plan Includes
Self-awareness & mindset development
Managing nerves & recovering from mistakes
Pre-game routine & goal setting
Pressure performance & tryout preparation
In-game adversity management
Post-game reflection reviewed each session
Identity work — competing on purpose
Athletic identity & leadership development
Custom weekly text tied to that week's lesson
Monthly parent alignment call
Session Pricing
30 Minutes
$50
Per Session
Intro check-ins and focused mental resets between sessions.
Most Popular
45 Minutes
$70
Per Session
The core session length. Enough time for real work, focused and efficient.
60 Minutes
$90
Per Session
Deep work sessions for players tackling complex mental challenges.
Packages — 10% Off When Paid Upfront
Plan Sessions 30 Min 45 Min 60 Min
4-Week
Try it out
 4
$180
saves $20
$252
saves $28
$324
saves $36
8-Week
Build momentum
 8
$360
saves $40
$504
saves $56
$648
saves $72
12-Week
Best Value
Real results
 12
$540
saves $60
$756
saves $84
$972
saves $108
24-Week
Full season
 24
$1,080
saves $120
$1,512
saves $168
$1,944
saves $216
36-Week
Elite
Become different
 36
$1,620
saves $180
$2,268
saves $252
$2,916
saves $324

All sessions are weekly. Pay per session for full flexibility, or lock in a package and save 10% when paid upfront.

Program 02

Private
Skills Training

On-ice sessions focused on the skills that directly impact game performance. Available as 1-on-1 private lessons or small-group training — both tailored to your player's position, level, and what they need to work on right now.

Private Lesson
1-on-1 Session

Every drill and rep is built entirely around your player. The pace, focus, and structure adapts to them — no one else in the session.

All Ages & Levels 60 Min Flexible Scheduling
Small Group
Group Session

Skills training in a competitive environment. Players push each other, replicate game pressure, and build habits that show up when it matters.

Max 6 Players 60 Min Level-Matched
Pricing available upon inquiry
What We Focus On
01
Puck Skills

Stickhandling, puck protection, deking, and controlling the puck in tight spaces at game speed.

02
Shooting

Release mechanics, shot selection, and finishing under pressure from different areas.

03
Hockey IQ

Reading plays, zone coverage, and making the right decision before the puck arrives.

04
Compete Level

Battle habits and the mental edge to perform your skills when the pressure is on.

Program 03

Online
Development

Coming Soon
Train From Anywhere.

A structured digital program for players who want to develop their mindset and game regardless of season or location. Built for the player who takes their development seriously year-round.

  • Mental Performance Modules

    Structured, self-paced content covering every pillar of the Guild method.

  • Video Breakdowns & Dryland Drills

    Skill work and off-ice training you can do anywhere, any time of year.

  • Weekly Accountability Check-ins

    Direct touchpoints to keep players on track and progressing with purpose.

  • Guild Community Access

    A private group of players holding each other to the same standard.

Be the First to Know

Drop your email and Justin will reach out personally when the program goes live.

Questions?

Not Sure Which
Program Fits?

Reach out directly — Justin will have a straightforward conversation about your player's goals and find the right fit together.

About

I Wish I Had
This Growing Up

A serious playing career taught Justin one thing above everything else — skill alone isn't enough. Here's the story behind Guild.

Justin Filippelli
Justin Filippelli
Founder, Guild Hockey Development
The Story

More Than
A Coach

I've been around hockey my entire life — as a player, as a coach, and as someone who watched talented athletes fall short not because of their skating, but because of what was happening between their ears.

I built Guild Hockey Development because there was a gap nobody was filling. There are plenty of people who can teach a player to shoot better. Very few are teaching them how to handle failure, compete under pressure, and build the habits that coaches at every level are actively looking for.

"I wish someone had taught me what I now teach my players. It would have changed everything."

Guild isn't just a training program. It's a system built around developing the complete player — someone who shows up, holds themselves accountable, and brings something to the room that no amount of private skating can teach.

Every player who works with me gets more than drills and feedback. They get a framework for who they're becoming — on the ice and off it.

Playing Background
Youth
Freeport Arrows · AA
PAL Jr Islanders · AAA
Long Island Royals · AAA
North Jersey Avalanche · AAA
Westchester Express · AAA
Long Island Gulls · AAA
NAHL
Chippewa Steel · North American Hockey League
Amarillo Wranglers · North American Hockey League
NCDC
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights · National Collegiate Development Conf.
Connecticut Jr Rangers · National Collegiate Development Conf.
New Jersey Hitmen · National Collegiate Development Conf.
College
Wilkes University · NCAA Division III · Current
What We Stand For

Three Words.
One Standard.

C
Confidence

Not the loud kind. The quiet, earned kind that shows up when the game is on the line and everyone else is rattled. We build it from the inside out — through work, repetition, and honest self-assessment.

A
Adversity

We don't protect players from hard things. We teach them how to use hard things. Every setback, every bad game, every cut — it's information. The players who understand that are the ones who keep climbing.

A
Accountability

Not to me. Not to their parents. To themselves. We work to build players who own their development — who don't need external pressure to show up and do the work. That's what separates leaders from passengers.

How It Works

The Guild
Approach

01

Assessment First

Every player starts with a conversation — not a sales pitch. We talk about where they are, what's holding them back, and what they're actually trying to accomplish. Then we build a plan around that.

02

Intentional Training

Nothing in our sessions is filler. Every drill, every conversation, every rep has a purpose tied directly to your player's development goals. We don't run through motions — we build habits.

03

Mental + Physical Integration

The mental and physical sides of the game aren't separate. We develop them together — so that when a player steps onto the ice in a high-stakes situation, both sides show up at the same time.

04

Accountability Between Sessions

Development doesn't pause when training ends. Players leave every session with something to work on — a habit to build, a mindset to practice, a skill to carry into their next game.

Work Together

Ready to Start the
Conversation?

Reach out to Justin directly — no obligation, just an honest conversation about where your player wants to go.

Contact

Let's Talk About
Your Player

Start with a free 10-minute intro call. No pressure, no pitch — just an honest conversation about where your child wants to go.

01
Free 10-Min Intro Call

Fill out the form below. Justin will reach out within 24 hours to schedule a quick call — no commitment, just a conversation.

02
Find the Right Program

Together we figure out which program and session length fits your player's goals, schedule, and budget.

03
Start Training

Book your first session and get to work. Focused development from session one.

Reach Justin Directly
Always Happy
to Talk

Prefer to reach out directly? Justin responds personally to every message.

Phone / Text
516-427-4773
Email
guildhockeydevelopment@gmail.com
Instagram
@guildhockeydevelopment
Response Promise

Justin personally reads and responds to every message within 24 hours. You won't get an automated reply — you'll hear from him directly.

Book Your Free
10-Min Intro Call

Tell Justin a bit about your player. He'll reach out within 24 hours — no commitment required.

Phone Call
Text
Email

No spam. No commitment. Justin will reach out within 24 hours.

Prefer to pick a time now? Schedule directly on Google Calendar →

Mental Performance Tips

The Guild
Blog

Insights on the mental side of hockey — for players and parents who want to understand what actually separates good from elite.

Confidence
Why Confidence Breaks Down in Tryouts — And How to Fix It

Your player has the skill. But the moment tryout skates go on, something changes. It's not a skill problem — it's a pressure problem. And it's more common than most players and parents realize.

The moment a player starts playing to not fail instead of playing to compete, performance drops. Confidence under pressure is a skill — and like any skill, it has to be trained before the tryout, not during it.

Habits
The One Habit Every Elite Hockey Player Has That Most Youth Players Don't

It's not a drill. It's not extra ice time. It's something that happens before the game, after the game, and in the quiet moments in between — and most youth players never develop it.

The players who improve fastest aren't the ones with the most ice time. They're the ones who get the most out of every rep — because they're paying attention to what's actually happening.

For Parents
How to Help Your Child Bounce Back After a Bad Game

The car ride home after a bad game might be the most important 20 minutes in your child's athletic development. What you say — and what you don't — shapes how they handle adversity for years.

The players who handle adversity best almost always have parents who showed them — through their own actions — that a bad game is not a crisis. It's just a game.

Coaching
What Coaches Actually Notice Before a Player Touches the Puck

Coaches make a significant mental note about a player before they've touched the puck once. Not a final decision — but a first impression that shapes everything that follows.

I can teach a player to shoot. What I can't easily teach is compete level, body language, and the will to be useful when the puck isn't on their stick. That's what coaches look for first.

Want to go deeper on any of this?

This is exactly what Justin works on in every session. Book a free 10-minute intro call.