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Norwalk's Moe Tarrant has been around hockey for a long time. When he says his Mid Fairfield Stars 14-and-under girls hockey team has a chance to win this week's national tournament, it's worth paying attention.
"I think they have as good a chance as any team out there,'' says Tarrant, whose team begins play Wednesday in the Tier I nationals in Michigan. "There are only 12 teams left. The things that aren't yet 100 percent have to be at 100 percent for the tournament. We'll see how we handle it."
Tarrant has guided the Stars to a 41-5 record, including victories in the state and New England Tournaments. The team features several girls from Fairfield County, including Norwalk's Nicole Liu and Annie DeFrino, Darien's Sasha Fritts and Fairfield's Taegan Blackwell. Fairfield's Ryan Equale, a former star at Wilton High and UConn, is Tarrant's assistant.
The Stars' trademark has been defense. They have surrendered just 48 goals and have 19 shutouts. In the state and New England tournaments, the Stars allowed four goals in nine games. They outscored opponents 58-4 in those games. They also won the prestigious Polar Bear tournament in December.
"I think defense wins championships,'' Tarrant said. "Our defense has incredibly strong and fast skaters. We feel confident with all of them out on the ice."
Tarrant has been around the coaching block since graduating from Wilton High School. He coaches the girls team at Greenwich Academy and has been with the Stars for the last 10 years. He has coached at every level, from mites through college. Many of his teams have enjoyed tremendous success, and even he has lost track of how many teams he has taken to the national tournament.
But Tarrant downplays his record because his focus is his players. "Success is measured by what you accomplish when you're not in the room,'' he said. "Every trophy we've ever won, it's not in a coach's house. It belongs to the players. You just want to give them the best opportunity."
He says this team is ready to make its mark in the national tournament. It has been practicing and playing scrimmages since winning the regional tournament last month and is ready for the tournament to begin. The team opens Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite. After two more qualifying games, the quarterfinals and semifinals are Saturday. The finals are Sunday.
"Sometimes if a teacher comes in and says the test is canceled kids would be glad,'' Tarrant said. "With this team if the teacher says the test is canceled, they'd be bummed. I think they're about as ready as we can be."
How do you think the Stars will fare in the Tier I national tournament? Start the discussion below!
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