Legendary high school hockey coach steps down nine games into season

The best of coaches have a keen sense of timing. When to call a timeout. When to insert a key reserve. When to use that trick play he or she has kept tucked away.

For legendary Connecticut hockey coach Marty Roos, he knew the exact moment to step away.

So, nine games into the season for Notre Dame-Fairfield (Fairfield, Conn.), the state's winningest boys hockey coach, announced his retirement this week via a press release.

According to the Hartford Courant, the 76-year-old leaves with a record of 536-301-19 and six state crowns over 40 seasons. He also coached at Fairfield Prep.

The Lancers were just 3-6 this season.

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

Assistant Steve Hetherman is now the Lancers' interim coach.

"His passion, dedication, loyalty, commitment and hard work are second to none. He is the ultimate professional and class act," Athletic Director and assistant coach Rob Bleggi said in the statement. "Marty embodies what is great about high school hockey and high school sports."