ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators Promote Matt Ginn to Head Coach

The Atlanta Gladiators have officially promoted Matt Ginn to Head Coach, making him the seventh bench boss in franchise history. Ginn, who joined the team as Assistant Coach for the 2024–25 season, steps into the role following Derek Nesbitt’s transition to the front office as Director of Community Engagement.

Ginn brings a deep familiarity with the Gladiators organization, both as a coach and former player. From 2015 to 2018, the Lindsay, Ontario native patrolled the crease for Atlanta, appearing in 90 games over three seasons. Before returning to the team behind the bench, Ginn had already built an impressive coaching résumé overseas.

He previously served as Head Coach of the Manchester Storm in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), where he guided the team to back-to-back postseason appearances in 2022–23 and 2023–24. Under his leadership, the Storm improved significantly—climbing to a 27-20-7 record and fourth-place finish during his last season with the team—earning Ginn EIHL Coach of the Year honors.

Before transitioning into coaching, Ginn was also a standout goaltender at Holy Cross (NCAA Division I), where he racked up 3,587 saves, 8 shutouts, and over 7,700 minutes in net. He was named to the NCAA (AHA) All-Rookie Team in 2011–12 and once logged over 1,000 saves in a single season (2013–14).

Ginn’s career has spanned multiple levels of hockey, including junior (OJHL, BCHL), NCAA Division I, and professional stints in the AHL, ECHL, and EIHL. His time as a player included appearances for the Florida Everblades, Kansas City Mavericks, and Greenville Swamp Rabbits before returning to Manchester as a player and eventually on to his role as head coach.

Known for his competitive drive and attention to detail, Ginn brings a high-tempo, development-focused coaching philosophy rooted in accountability and character. With a blend of international experience and local ties, his promotion signals the Gladiators’ intent to foster continuity while elevating the team’s performance on the ice.

Ginn is set to make his Atlanta head coaching debut on October 18 at Gas South Arena when the Gladiators open their 2025–26 campaign.