ABOUT
MakGoaltending proudly provides elite training for goalies across the GTA, welcoming athletes of all levels and backgrounds. While we work with all goalies, we are especially proud of our strong core of female goaltenders and coaches. Our program offers a supportive and empowering environment where female goalies can train, grow, and challenge themselves—and each other—to reach new heights. With experienced female coaches leading the way, our athletes benefit from relatable role models who understand the game from every angle. As the women’s game continues to grow, we believe it’s vital for young goalies to learn from and be inspired by high-level and professional female athletes.
Amanda Makela - 'Mak'
Founder
With over 12 years of coaching experience, Coach Mak brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the ice. Mak recently wrapped up a 9-year professional career, including 5 seasons with the PWHPA, which led to the creation of the PWHL. Her impressive playing resume spans the CWHL, NWHL, NCAA Division 1 with Mercyhurst University, as well as representing Team Ontario and Team Canada U18.
Coach Mak's journey into coaching began at age 15 when she was first asked to mentor young goalies. She vividly recalls the joy of watching a young goalie light up after making a glove save following her advice. That moment ignited her desire to coach. Since then, she has honed her skills through various camps and clinics and launched her own goalie training business, MakGoaltending, in 2019.
Throughout her playing career, Coach Mak has been influenced by both inspiring and challenging coaches. These experiences have shaped her coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive, supportive environment. She’s committed to ensuring that every goalie she trains not only works hard and learns effectively but also has a lot of fun in the process.
-
2010 Provincial Gold Medalist with the Thunder Bay Queens
-
2010 Esso Cup National Champions with the Thunder Bay Queens
-
Awarded Queen's most valuable player 2010, 2011 and most dedicated in 2009
-
Won a silver medal at the 2010 U18 World Championships with Team Canada in Sweden
-
Won a silver Medal with Team Ontario at the Canada winter games in Halifax 2011
-
2011 provincial silver medalist with the Thunder Bay Queens
-
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Mercyhurst University,
-
4 year Athletic Honour Roll
-
Played for the Toronto Furies in the CWHL
-
Played in the inaugural season of the NWHL with the Buffalo Beauts 2015-2016
-
Won a Clarkson Cup with Les Canadiennes de Montreal 2016-17
-
Played for the Toronto Furies in the CWHL
-
Played 4 years at Mercyhurst University Division 1 Program NCAA
-
Tied Mercyhurst’s single season Shutout record
-
Holds Mercyhurst single season saves record with 781 saves
-
2015 CHA Goaltender of the year
-
Played Professionally in Sweden for Björklöven
-
PWHPA - 5 seasons
Coaching Background
-
MakGoaltending 2017 Goalie Coach for a variety of girls and boys teams throughout the GTA
-
Jon Elkin's Goalie School 2019 - Present -- Camps, Clinics, Team Practices, Private Lessons
-
McGuire Goaltending, Toronto, ON -- July 2011 - 2020
-
M-Power Hockey - 2016- 2019
-
Buffalo State University, Buffalo, NY — Volunteer Goalie Coach -- January 2017 - March 2017
-
BVGoaltending, St.Catharines, ON -- July 2016
-
Katie Weatherston’s Hockey Camp, Thunder Bay, ON — Off-ice Instructor and Goalie Coach -- August 2015
-
Zulie’s Goalie Academy, Thunder Bay, ON — Goalie Instructor -- August 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018
-
Michael Sisti’s Hockey Camp, Erie, PA — Camp Counsellor and Goalie Instructor -- July 2012
Emma Wedgewood
Goalie Coach
From playing hockey at a young age to competing at the Usports level and coaching, Emma’s journey in hockey has been fueled by a deep passion for development, performance, and leadership. Currently a goaltender for the York Lions Women’s Hockey team at York University, Emma brings firsthand experience from high-level competition, along with a drive to pursue a professional playing career after university.
Emma met Mak when she was just 13 years old and immediately began to look up to her- an admiration that continues to this day. Mak has served as a powerful mentor and role model, playing an instrumental role in Emma’s development on and off the ice.Their relationship continues to shape the way Emma approaches the game and her coaching, inspiring her to lead with similar authenticity, and care that Mak embodies.
Notable Achievements
-
2019 OWHA U16 High Performance Camp attendee
-
2019 OWHA Provincial Bronze Medalist
-
2019 OFSAA Girl’s AAA Varsity Hockey participant
-
2022/23 U Sports Academic All Canadian
-
2022- present: 5x York Athlete of the Week, 3x OUA athlete of the week, 2x Usports athlete of the week
-
2023/24 York University Female Athlete of the Year Nominee
Coaching Background
-
Currently the starting goaltender for the York Lions Women’s Ice hockey team (York University)
-
which is apart of Usports and OUA
-
Studying a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology
-
Hockey Canada coach 2 certified
-
Current Total Female Hockey Goaltending coach
-
McGuire Goaltending, Toronto, ON: 05/2018— 2020
-
MakGoaltending: 2020-present
