Coaches & Staff
Building Players, Building Character
EDA Staff
Corinne DeMizio | Lead Educator
Corinne DeMizio brings a high-performance approach to academic development, combining over a decade of educational experience with a deep specialization in literacy and individualized instruction. She holds a Master’s degree in Literacy Instruction, along with reading specialist and supervisor certifications, positioning her as a key resource in supporting EDA athletes at an elite academic level.
Her experience as an academic interventionist centers on precision-based instruction: identifying gaps, implementing targeted strategies, and building strong academic foundations that translate into long-term success. DeMizio's work is driven by accountability, consistency, and measurable growth, ensuring each athlete is equipped to perform in demanding academic environments.
In her role as an adjunct professor, DeMizio works closely with college students to refine critical thinking, executive functioning, and time management skills. She has extensive experience supporting student-athletes, helping them navigate the expectations of high-level competition while maintaining excellence in the classroom. Her approach emphasizes discipline, structure, and communication; core pillars of both academic and athletic success.
At Essentials Development Academy, Corinne DeMizio is committed to developing disciplined, confident, and capable individuals who are prepared to excel in all aspects of life. Her impact extends beyond academics; instilling habits and standards that drive performance at every level.
Corinne currently resides in Freehold, NJ with her husband and two daughters.
Anthony Perdicaro | Coach
Anthony Perdicaro is a dedicated hockey coach and former professional hockey player from East Rockaway, New York. As a player, Perdicaro competed in multiple professional leagues across North America, including stops with the Rapid City Rush (CHL) and Las Vegas Wranglers (ECHL), bringing grit, skill, and leadership to every lineup he joined.
Before turning to coaching, Perdicaro developed his game through major junior hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), where he earned a championship with the Penticton Vees and received an invitation to the New York Islanders’ summer prospect camp, an experience that helped shape his understanding of high‑level competition.
In his coaching, Perdicaro emphasizes skill development, work ethic, and game IQ, helping young athletes grow their abilities while maintaining a competitive and supportive team culture. His firsthand experience at the professional and junior levels gives his players valuable insight into what it takes to compete and succeed both on and off the ice.
Anthony resides in Florida where he continues to implement structure and development for hockey players of all age levels.
Mark Lotito | COACH
Mark Lotito is a passionate and experienced youth hockey coach with deep roots in the Northeast hockey community. He currently serves as Head Coach of the Midget 18U team with the Woodbridge Wolfpack Hockey Club, bringing strong leadership and a proven commitment to player development at one of the region’s competitive programs. Lotito has coached at multiple age levels and is known for his ability to build structured, disciplined, and competitive teams.
Before joining the Wolfpack, Lotito was involved in Tier I youth hockey in the New Jersey area, including serving as a head coach for the North Jersey Avalanche 18U program, where his teams competed at the USA Hockey Youth Tier I National Championships and earned Atlantic District titles. His coaching experience spans many years working with players as they progress through key stages of their development.
During his career, Lotito also served as the President of Hockey Operations for the Chicago Steel from 2015 until 2020, where he was an integral part of 2 Clark Cup Championships and helped players the like of Owen Power, Brendan Brisson, and Nick Abruzzesse to name a few, propel their hockey careers to the next level.
Lotito’s coaching approach emphasizes strong skating, hockey IQ, positional play, helping athletes refine their skills while fostering a positive and competitive team culture.
Lotito resides in Staten Island and continues to support and mentor young hockey players as they pursue success on and off the ice.
VINNY SMITH | Coach
Vinny Smith is a highly respected hockey coach based on Long Island, currently serving as Head Coach of the Midget 16U AAA team with the Woodbridge Wolfpack Hockey Club. Known for his ability to develop elite talent and build disciplined, competitive teams, Smith brings decades of experience and a proven track record to one of the region’s top youth programs.
Throughout his coaching career, Smith has led teams to success at the highest levels of youth hockey, including guiding the Long Island Gulls to the USA Hockey Tier I 16U National Championship in 2023. His teams are recognized for their structure, competitiveness, and strong team culture, consistently preparing players to advance to junior, collegiate, and professional hockey.
Prior in his career, Smith served as Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Chicago Steel (USHL), contributing to player development and organizational strategy at one of the country’s premier junior programs. During his years in Chicago, Smith was also an important part of the two championship winning teams that helped develop players such as Matt Coronato, Ryan Ufko and Sean Farrell among many others. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, hockey IQ, mental toughness, and character, ensuring his players excel both on and off the ice.
Smith lives on Long Island and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of hockey players both on and off the ice.
JULIAN KISLIN | Coach
Julian Kislin is a dedicated hockey coach and former professional defenseman from Manalapan, New Jersey. Kislin developed his game through high‑level youth and junior hockey before playing four seasons at Northeastern University, where he served as an alternate captain and helped the Huskies capture multiple Hockey East Championships while anchoring the blue line with leadership and poise.
Following his college career, Kislin continued his pursuit of the game at the professional level, signing with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL and later appearing with the Jacksonville Icemen, bringing his competitive experience and hockey IQ to the pro ranks.
Transitioning into coaching and hockey development, Kislin emphasizes sound defensive play, strong skating fundamentals, and decision‑making under pressure, helping young players elevate their skills and understanding of the game. His background as a high‑level competitor allows him to mentor athletes with insight into both the physical and mental aspects of hockey.
Joey Gilhooly | Coach
Joey Gilhooly is a dedicated hockey coach and former collegiate hockey player from Brooklyn, New York. He currently serves as a scout/skills coach for the Woodbridge Wolfpack where he focuses on player development, strategy, and building a strong team culture, along with holding the role of Director of Scouting for the Danbury Jr Hat Tricks of the NAHL.
Gilhooly’s playing career began with the New York Bobcats youth organization and continued through a four‑year collegiate career at SUNY Potsdam, where he honed his skills and leadership before transitioning into coaching at the collegiate level.
Off the ice, Gilhooly serves as a firefighter with the Fire Department City of New York (FDNY), bringing the same work ethic, teamwork, and discipline from his professional fire service background into his coaching. He also competes as a member of the FDNY Hockey Team, representing his department in charity competitions and annual games that raise funds for first responder causes.
Gilhooly lives in the New York area and continues to make a positive impact on the hockey community through his coaching and mentorship efforts.
GEORGE BOSAK| Goaltending Coach
With more than 25 years of experience, George Bosak has coached goaltenders at the youth, junior, NCAA Division I, and professional levels.
George's coaching career has included stops with NCAA Division I programs Princeton University and Arizona State University, as well as the New Jersey Titans in the North American Hockey League, where he was part of the 2021–22 Robertson Cup Championship staff. He has also served as Goaltending Director for Philadelphia Hockey Club/Philadelphia Rebels and worked with goaltenders across some of the top junior and collegiate programs in the country.
Throughout his career, George has helped develop goaltenders who have gone on to play NCAA Division I and III, junior, and professional hockey, including Anthony Stolarz, Kevin Boyle, Peyton Jones, Ben Kraws, Gavin Abric, and Evan Szary.
Through Bosak Goaltending, George combines his experience as a player and coach to provide goaltenders with individualized training focused on technique, hockey IQ, confidence, and consistency.
TAYLOR HOLZE | POWER SKATING Coach
Taylor Holze is a skilled skating coach and former collegiate hockey player from Lynbrook, New York. She competed at the NCAA level for Boston University’s women’s ice hockey team, where she played four seasons and was a consistent contributor on the ice, showcasing strong skating ability and hockey instincts throughout her college career.
Following her playing days, Holze transitioned into coaching and power skating instruction, working with hockey players of all ages to enhance their stride mechanics, edge work, agility, and overall confidence on the ice. She co‑hosts elite skating development experiences such as The Skating Summit, partnering with top professional skating instructors to provide players with advanced training in speed, edge control, and on‑ice athleticism.
Holze’s approach to skating instruction emphasizes precision, efficiency, and hockey‑specific movement patterns, helping athletes develop the technical foundation and physical tools necessary to compete at high levels. Her combination of competitive experience and coaching expertise makes her a key contributor to player development in your program.
Holze resides in the greater New York area and continues to support hockey players in improving their skating fundamentals and performance.
LURENE GUMINA | MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Lurene “Lu” Gumina leads the brand, messaging, and growth strategy for Essentials Development Academy, bringing a high-performance, relationship-driven approach to marketing within elite youth athletics. With a strong foundation in communication and digital strategy, Gumina is focused on building a brand that resonates with athletes and families; one rooted in trust, transparency, and results.
Her work goes beyond traditional marketing. Gumina is intentional about telling the EDA story in a way that reflects the program’s standards, culture, and commitment to development. From website experience and social media strategy to recruitment messaging and parent communication, every touchpoint is designed to create clarity, confidence, and connection.
As a mother of three, Gumina brings an authentic understanding of what families value when choosing a program. She ensures that EDA’s voice speaks directly to those priorities: development, structure, safety, and long-term success while also highlighting the human side of the athlete experience.
In addition to her role in marketing, Gumina's experience as Billet Coordinator for the Woodbridge Wolfpack has strengthened her ability to build meaningful relationships within the hockey community. She is known for her accessibility, consistency, and ability to connect; supporting athletes not just as players, but as individuals navigating the demands of high-level development.
At Essentials Development Academy, Gumina plays a key role in shaping both perception and experience, driving growth while helping to cultivate a culture where athletes feel supported, confident, and prepared to perform at the highest level.
Gumina resides in Middletown, New Jersey with her fiancé, three daughters and her golden retriever, George.
Rob Dombrowski, BS, CSCS | Director of Performance
Rob Dombrowski is the Founder and Director of Performance at ASAP Training and has more than 15 years of experience in sports performance, with an extensive background in the physical development of hockey players.
Prior to founding ASAP Training, Rob served as the Director of Hockey Performance for Sacred Heart University’s NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Hockey programs. Before Sacred Heart, he spent nine years as Director of Performance at Prentiss Hockey Performance, where he oversaw strength and conditioning, performance testing, and long-term physical development for professional, collegiate, junior, and elite youth hockey players.
Throughout his career, Rob has worked with athletes from the NHL, AHL, NFL, MLB, NCAA, and professional leagues throughout North America and Europe. His approach integrates strength and power development, speed, movement, conditioning, performance testing, and workload management to prepare athletes for the demands of their sport while supporting long-term development.
As Director of Performance for Essentials Development Academy, Rob oversees the Academy’s strength and conditioning system, including program design and periodization, performance testing and monitoring, and ongoing collaboration with the Academy’s coaching staff. He works closely with Head Strength & Performance Coach Bruce Weyand to guide the day-to-day implementation of the program and athlete development throughout the season.
Rob is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Sacred Heart University.
Bruce Weyand, MS, CSCS | Head Strength & Performance Coach
Bruce Weyand is a strength and conditioning coach specializing in athletic performance, strength and power development, movement quality, and injury-risk reduction. As the on-site Head Strength & Performance Coach for Essentials Development Academy, Bruce works in collaboration with ASAP Training’s Director of Performance, Rob Dombrowski, to implement the Academy’s comprehensive strength and conditioning program.
Bruce earned his Master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Sacred Heart University, where he also served as a Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant working with collegiate athletes. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Following Sacred Heart, Bruce served as Head Performance Coach at BC Athletics in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of performance programs for athletes across multiple sports and competitive levels.
Bruce’s coaching approach combines evidence-based training principles with individualized athlete development, emphasizing strength, speed, power, movement efficiency, physical resilience, and long-term athletic development.
For the Academy, Bruce oversees the day-to-day delivery of the strength and performance program, while working within ASAP Training’s performance system and collaborating with Rob on programming, testing, monitoring, and athlete development.