our team
joe wegwerth
Co-Founder of Fail Forward Hockey, Joe has traveled the world playing hockey. Joe grew up playing AAA hockey for the Westchester Express before attending the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). After winning the Under-18 World Championship in 2014 Joe was selected 92nd overall in the NHL Draft by the Florida Panthers.
After one year in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders, Joe stepped foot on campus at the University of Notre Dame, where he helped the team earn two BIG10 tournament titles, a BIG10 regular season championship, two Frozen Four appearances, and a shot in the National Championship.
Following his college career Joe went on to play professionally in the Colorado Avalanche organization and even suited up for the Avalanche in rookie tournament following his senior year. Joe has a strong background in puck skills, video analysis, off-ice and weight training as well as hockey consultation in helping chart the right path for you.
Rob belger
A Co-Founder of Fail Forward Hockey, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in developing elite players at all levels. Rob grew up playing for the Westchester Express AAA team before continuing his junior career with the Brewster Bulldogs. Rob is a talented multi sport athlete who also received a scholarship to play Division 1 Lacrosse but opted to continue investing in himself and hockey, joining the Hartford Wolfpack Junior A Hockey Club. Rob was able to earn a college offer to Nichols College, where he saw much success helping guide the team to multiple League Championships.
Rob was able to play professional hockey following his college career suiting up for two teams in the Federal Hockey League. Since retiring Rob has become a mainstay in the skill and development department within the tri-state area, offering lessons and guidance to clients from Westchester Express, Mid Fairfield Elite, New Jersey Hitmen, Long Island Gulls, and New Jersey Rockets just to name a few. Rob specializes in power skating, edge work, agility, off-ice mentorship, and video analysis.
Nick Belger
An additional Co-Founder of Fail Forward Hockey, Nick Belger has had an illustrious hockey career as a player and in a developmental role. Nick was an exceptional offensive talent throughout his career. Nick is a product of both the Westchester Express and Brewster Bulldogs before moving on to Junior A and college hockey. Nick excelled at both the junior and collegiate ranks, earning over 200 games played.
Nick played 4 years of Junior A hockey for the Hartford Jr Wolfpack in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League where he averaged a point per game. After graduating to his next challenge Nick accepted an offer to play in the North American Hockey League, when he was drafted in the 4th round 84th overall by the Springfield Blues. Nick split his NAHL career between the Blues and the Soo Eagles.
After weighing his options, Nick opted to forego his Division 1 offer in order to attend SUNY Plattsburgh. After a serious shoulder injury, Nick transferred to Stony Brook University where he would find both personal and team success posting over a point per game and earning All-League Honors.
“if you are afraid of failure, you don’t deserve to be successful.”
— Charles Barkley