What is GataGoalie?

At GataGoalie, our mission is to help goaltenders develop their skills, mindset, and love for the game. Founded by Joe Santagata, a lifelong goalie and passionate coach, we provide a supportive, challenging, and fun environment where goalies can thrive.

We believe in a personalized approach, recognizing that every goalie is unique. Our philosophy centers on building well-rounded athletes who are physically prepared, mentally strong, and emotionally resilient.

GataGoalie Emphasizes:

Loving the Game: We foster an environment that makes goaltending exciting and fulfilling.
Individuality: We develop goaltenders who play to their strengths, not a cookie-cutter mold.
Self-Sufficiency: We equip goalies with the tools to train and prepare independently.
Mental Toughness: We help goalies develop the resilience to overcome challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
Trusting the Process: We emphasize consistent effort and long-term development for sustained success.

Whether you're striving to make a team, win the big game, or simply become the best version of yourself, GataGoalie is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Meet The Team

Joe Santagata

Head Coach & Founder

Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Coach Joe’s passion for goaltending began with a fascination for the unique equipment and the art of stopping hockey pucks. Over the years, this fascination grew into an obsession and ultimately a lifelong passion. As a former goaltender, he understands the dedication, mindset, and specialized training required to excel in the crease. With years of playing and coaching experience across the country, Coach Joe has developed his own unique style of coaching, blending techniques and philosophies learned from working with top coaches and organizations. Now based in Tampa, Florida, he serves as a Goalie Coach at TGH Ice Plex, helping young goaltenders refine their skills and work toward achieving their dreams.

Michael Cappiello aka "CappiE"

Associate Head Coach

Coach Cappie is a Level 4 certified hockey coach with over 20 years of coaching experience. Known for his commitment to player development and his ability to inspire athletes to reach their full potential, Coach Cappie is respected within the hockey community as a mentor and role model. His talent lies in guiding his players not only in hockey skills but also in character development, emphasizing the importance of integrity, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Under Coach Cappie's guidance, players not only excel in the game but also grow as individuals, embodying the values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience that are the hallmarks of a true student athlete.

Maleah Worlund

Business/Administrative Operations Manager

With over a decade of experience in social media, marketing, and creative tech, Maleah bridges the gap between business strategy and digital innovation. Raised in a tech-driven family and inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial ventures, she combines a sharp business mindset with a passion for creative problem-solving. After studying business, IT, and marketing, she honed her skills through freelance projects—from video editing to website development—before stepping into her role at GataGoalie. Here, she rebuilt the website, manages marketing campaigns (flyers, emails), and supports day-to-day operations, including training camps, managing inventory, and launching the GataGoalie Garage & Academy. Driven by her belief that “tech and creativity thrive together,” she’s now focused on scaling the business through app development, website enhancements, and strategic growth initiatives.