Gershon Atop Fighting Falcons' All-Time Wins List
February 27, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Port Huron Fighting Falcons News Release
PORT HURON, MI - ÃÂ Michael Gershon, Head Coach and General Manager of the Port Huron Fighting Falcons, set a new franchise record when he recorded his 51st and 52nd career victories during last weekend's sweep of the Janesville Jets at McMorran Arena.
The Sparta, New Jersey native played professional hockey with the Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League in 2009. An injury cut his playing career short, but Gershon quickly transitioned from player to coach, getting his start with the New Mexico Renegades.
Gershon, who became the Fighting Falcons Head Coach in October of 2012, is 52-34-12 with the Fighting Falcons, overtaking former coach Bill Warren, who was 50-45-8 when he coached in Port Huron from 2010-2012. Gershon joined the Fighting Falcons staff as an assistant under Steve Shannon to start the 2012-13 season. He is one of the North American Hockey League's youngest coaches, and has been among the most successful behind the bench in the last two seasons.
"It's a great feeling to know that I've had the most wins for the Fighting Falcons, and it's an honor that I share with an amazing staff that has helped us become a top team," Gershon said. "We've all become a family here in the locker room, and Jamie Lovell, Tim Abbott and of course Scott Nichols have all done so much to help me grow as a coach and a manager. Nick Shackford and our scouting staff help us put the most talented players on the ice, which is something that can help us continue the winning tradition we've got going in Port Huron.
"It is a huge accomplishment just to be a Head Coach and GM in this league and it's an honor to be one of 24 coaches at this level," Gershon said. "It was hugely disappointing to see my playing career come to an end so early, but I've always felt like I was destined to be a coach, I just never thought I'd get the chance to coach at such a high level so early on in my career. I certainly have to thank Steve Shannon for allowing me to join his coaching staff, and to Maribeth Hayes for putting her trust in me to oversee this great organization.
"I look forward to continue to help these talented young players develop and reach the next level. The best moments I've had here have come when players make commitments to be able to continue their hockey careers in college, even if those moments will never show up in a win-loss record. The fact that I can turn on the TV and see players like Rick DeRosa at Penn State or Ian Miller at Lake Superior State and know that the staff here and I have been able to play a part in them being able to continue their dream is an unbelievable feeling, and one that not a lot of coaches ever get to experience."
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The Fighting Falcons return to home ice Wednesday, March 12 for a 6 p.m. matchup with the in-state rival Michigan Warriors. The Fighting Falcons are just 2-4-2 against the Warriors this season, with four games remaining against Michigan in March.
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Tickets to any Fighting Falcons home game are available at the McMorran Arena Box Office, starting at just $7 for seniors, students and military. For more information, call the team's front office at (810) 966-3800.
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