Matt Gertler

In his ninth year with the Nassau County Lions program, Matt Gertler’s playing career was spent with the Freeport Arrows Tier II program, from 8U through the 17U levels. Matt was a goaltender, and ended his playing career by leading the 2004 17U Midget Arrows to the New York State Championship.

Matt began coaching in 2003 as a goaltending instructor. From 2004-2012, he worked for Russian Hockey Schools, primarily as Head Goaltending Instructor, and in 2005, he began working as an Assistant Coach with the Freeport Arrows Hockey program at both the Squirt and Midget levels. In 2008, he became Head Coach at the Squirt level for the Arrows, and advanced to the Bantam level as Head Coach between the years of 2008-2017. In 2012, Matt attained his USA Hockey Level 5 coaching certification.

In addition to his playing and coaching careers, Matt also served the USA Hockey community as an on-ice referee from 1999-2005.

In 2015, he won the Steve Gertler Coaching Award, and from 2014-2017, Matt worked for Skate 2 Score as an instructor. In 2017, he joined the Nassau County Lions program as an Assistant Coach at the Bantam level.

“The main focus on youth hockey is to develop players, and make kids love the game,” said Matt. “Being in a positive and highly-motivational environment will help with success, both on and off the ice. Through dedication, effort, attitude, and discipline, players will thrive on the ice, and turn into successful people away from the rink.”