All-Time Winningest Conn. H.S. Hockey Coach Retires

The Daily Fairfield, Eric Gendron

http://www.thedailyfairfield.com/sports/longtime-fairfield-hockey-coach-roos-steps-down

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Marty Roos, who has won more games than any other coach in Connecticut hockey history, has stepped down as head coach at Notre Dame-Fairfield. The surprise mid-season announcement was made in a press release from athletic director Rob Bleggi.

Roos, 75, coached a total of 40 years at Fairfield Prep and Notre Dame, amassing a 536-301-19 record. In addition to holding the state record for wins as a coach, Roos won six state championships in nine trips to the state finals with the Jesuits and the Lancers.

“I always felt that when it came time to step down from coaching, I would know that it was time. Even though Notre Dame is mid-season, I believe that now is the right time,” Roos said in the press release.

The announcement comes as the Lancers have struggled out of the gate, compiling a 3-6 record so far. After reaching the state finals in 2007 and 2008, the Lancers fell in the 2009 state quarterfinals and failed to make the playoffs in 2010. Assistant coach Steve Hetherman has been appointed interim head coach and will helm the Lancers when they take on Hamden on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Bleggi, who played for Roos in the 90s, praised his former mentor’s time with Notre Dame-Fairfield. “To me, Notre Dame Hockey and Marty Roos are synonymous,” Bleggi said in the statement. “Marty will always be a part of Notre Dame Hockey and Notre Dame High School.”

Notre Dame’s president, Fr. Bill Sangiovanni, added: “Words cannot express my admiration and appreciation for Marty Roos and his contributions to not only Notre Dame Hockey but to the whole Notre Dame community. Personally, it’s a huge void for me.”