The Atlanta Gladiators connected with fans in a big way during their recent Coach’s Show, streamed on the team’s YouTube channel. Head Coach Matt Ginn, entering his first season at the helm after serving as assistant coach in 2024–25, spoke candidly about his coaching style, the team’s identity, and the traits he’s looking for in players. The conversation proved engaging for fans, offering a deeper look at the man behind the bench and what to expect as the Gladiators head into the 2025–26 season.
Honest Communication and Accountability
Ginn emphasized that his coaching approach begins with direct, honest communication.
“Players might not always like what you have to say, but they respect when they hear the truth,” Ginn said. “When you’re at the rink, you’re at the rink. Bring something to the table to help the team win and we won’t have an issue.”
Matt Ginn noted that while mistakes are inevitable, he values effort over perfection, differentiating between aggressive errors and “lazy errors.”
Building an Identity Around Speed and Physicality
The offseason roster construction has focused on speed, physicality, and versatility. Ginn wants a lineup capable of winning games in multiple ways, regardless of the situation.
“Not every game’s going to be the same… teams that have success can win in different ways,” he explained.
The new mix of returning players and first-year pros excites him, particularly in how they’ll “gel as a team” and take ownership of the locker room.
Scoring by Committee and Getting to the Net
After stretches last season where goals were hard to come by, Ginn stressed the importance of going to high-traffic areas.
“Ninety-three percent of goals are scored right around the net,” he said. “An ugly goal off a shin pad counts just as much as the pretty ones.”
Ginn believes the newcomers have the grit to get inside defensive coverage and stay there, improving both five-on-five scoring and power-play production.
Consistency as the Key to Success
Asked about his main focus for 2025–26, Ginn didn’t hesitate: consistency.
“There were some nights last year where we looked really good and some nights where we weren’t very good,” he said. “We want to play fast, get to those dirty areas, and win more battles than the other team.”
That identity, he added, needs to hold steady through inevitable roster changes during the ECHL season.
Partnership with Assistant Coach Zach Vinnell
Ginn also spoke highly of new assistant coach Zach Vinnell, who joins the Gladiators from a successful stint in Coventry, England. Although they haven’t met in person, Ginn praised Vinnell’s hockey mind, player relationships, and power-play strategy.
From Gladiators Goalie to Bench Boss
A former Gladiators netminder himself, Ginn tied the franchise single-season record with 48 appearances in 2017–18 and still recalls the fan support from his playing days. His coaching path began in Manchester, England, where he transitioned from player to head coach after hip surgery ended his playing career.
That experience, he said, shaped his approach to roster building and creating a winning culture—skills he’s now applying in Atlanta.
Looking Ahead
The Gladiators open their season October 18–19 at home against the Utah Grizzlies. With Head Coach Matt Ginn setting a clear tone for speed, physicality, and consistency, and fans already engaged through conversations like this one, anticipation is building for what could be a defining season in Atlanta.
“We want to be harder to play against, and that starts on opening night,” he said. “It’s about setting the tone right away and building from there.”
Atlanta Gladiators. (2025, August 12). Coach’s Show with head coach Matt Ginn [Video]. YouTube.
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