Our Staff
The Mental Goalie Staff
At The Mental Goalie, we believe that both playing and coaching experience matter—but what truly sets a coach apart is their ability to connect with young athletes and communicate in a way that inspires growth. Our staff is built on that philosophy. Each coach not only brings valuable experience to the ice but also the skill to teach, motivate, and develop goalies at every level.
We’re proud to have one of the best groups of goalie coaches in practice today. Meet our summer camp and full-time staff below.
Austin Christopher – Owner/Head instructor
Coach Austin Christopher founded The Mental Goalie in 2018 and the Mindset Academy in 2020 to help young goalies navigate the mental challenges of the position. A native of Winthrop, Maine, Austin took an unconventional path to college hockey, walking on to Franklin Pierce University’s NCAA Division II team straight out of St. Dominic Academy. Drawing from his own experience overcoming self-doubt and pressure, he developed programs to help athletes build confidence, discipline, accountability, and mental resilience.
His coaching style blends technical skill development with a strong focus on mindset, giving goalies the tools to perform under pressure and grow on and off the ice. Austin has worked with youth, high school, college, and junior programs across New England and New York, and runs intensive summer camps designed to push athletes out of their comfort zones. He currently serves as goalie coach for the NCDC Lewiston Maineiacs, Bowdoin College Women’s Hockey, North Yarmouth Academy Men’s and Women’s teams, and other high school and club programs throughout the Northeast.
Coach Tom McGuckin
Former NCAA Goaltender of the Year at Franklin Pierce University, Tom went on to play professionally in Sweden and for the Danbury Hat Tricks, where he earned Goalie of the Year honors. He brings elite-level experience, calm presence, and a deep understanding of the position. Tom specializes in positioning, poise under pressure, and building the mental side of a goalie’s game.
Coach Jake Gish
Coach Jake is entering his sixth year with The Mental Goalie and is a senior member of our coaching staff. A former AAA and collegiate goalie, he brings an aggressive, confident playing style to his coaching. Known for his energy and ability to break down technique, Jake helps goalies sharpen both their skills and mindset. Coach Jake runs our Clifton Park, New York branch of semi private and private lessons.
Coach Nick Pike
Coach Nick, “Piker,” is a six year member of our coaching staff. He has played AAA hockey with CP Dynamo, Boston Advantage, and the New Hampshire Monarchs, later advancing to the USPHL Premier with the Ogden Mustangs and Battle Creek Kernels. He currently plays college hockey at Saginaw Valley State University.
Nick is known for his unmatched energy, athleticism, and commitment to helping goalies battle through every drill. His ability to combine strong technical teaching with on-ice demonstration makes him an invaluable role model for goalies looking to build both skill and confidence.
Coach Nick Golis
Besides Coach Austin, Coach Golis is The Mental Goalie’s longest-tenured coach and a cornerstone of our programs. Nick played AAA in Syracuse, NY, at Elite Hockey Academy, and Rice Memorial Prep, before moving on to juniors with the Charlotte Rush (USPHL) and Boston Advantage (USPHL). He is currently entering his junior year at Temple University, where he was recently named Assistant Captain.
Nick is known for his clear, fundamental approach to teaching the position. Whether working with younger athletes on mechanics or advanced goalies on movement, he communicates effectively and consistently pulls the best out of his students. His leadership, work ethic, and contagious energy make him a trusted mentor and role model on and off the ice.
Coach Sebastian Wigfield
Originally from Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, and raised in Illinois, “Wiggy” played high school hockey at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, serving as both assistant captain and captain. He went on to play two years of junior hockey with the Chicago Cougars, New England Wolves, and Battle Creek Kernels before advancing to Hope College, where he currently competes.
Sebastian is studying Psychology and Neuroscience at Hope, bringing a unique focus on the mental side of goaltending. Known for his composure, leadership, and strong work ethic, he helps goalies build both technical skill and confidence under pressure.
Coach Gabe Pomerleau
Gabe “Poms” joins The Mental Goalie staff this summer, bringing strong experience as both a player and mentor. A standout at Lewiston High School, he was a state champion goalie, First Team All-State selection, and 14U National Champion. He has also competed with the Maine Nordiques in the NA3HL and will play this fall with the Nordiques 18U AAA program. Following the 2025 season, Gabe was drafted by the Maine Nordiques in the NAHL Entry Draft.
Well-known in the Lewiston/Auburn hockey community, Gabe is recognized for his ability to connect with young athletes and teach the game with clarity.