Guilford, CT (January 29, 2020) - The Mid Fairfield Stars and Shoreline Sharks announce their planned merger effective today to become the largest, most inclusive all-girls hockey program in the State of Connecticut. The new organization, called Connecticut Stars Girls Hockey, provides opportunities for female players at every age and competitive level – from new players to nationally competitive Tier I and Tier II travel teams. The two hockey associations will officially operate as a combined entity for the 2020-2021 season. 

“We couldn’t be more excited about the potential of the new Connecticut Stars Girls Hockey organization, as it’s truly the ‘best of the best.’  No other girls hockey program can offer our full portfolio of options at every age and playing ability,” explained Ed Rodham, President of the Shoreline Sharks. “The Stars bring national brand recognition and Tier I and II hockey excellence for those with prep and collegiate interests while the Sharks bring a strong development program with teams and clinics designed to advance girls at all levels of play to their desired next level. The result is something for everyone.”  

The Connecticut Stars will be home to 400+ players and 19 projected teams for the 2020 – 2021 season.  The new, combined portfolio offers opportunities at all ages brackets from U8 – U19 and multiple levels of competitive play through participation in three leagues: Connecticut Girls Hockey League (CGHL), Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC), and New England Girls Hockey League (NEGHL). Robust grow-the-game initiatives for girls ages 3 – 19, which include Learn to Play Clinics, a House League, and Try Hockey for Free events, complement the travel teams.

“Heading into tryouts for the 2019 - 2020 season, the Sharks and Stars collaborated at the U16 level to form not only a Tier I team but a highly competitive Tier II team,” said Carolyn Holt, Co-Director of the Mid Fairfield Stars.  “Our goal was to provide a path for Sharks players to pursue Tier I play and players not selected for our Tier I team an opportunity to play on a highly competitive national bound Tier II team. The collaboration was a success.  Currently, our U16 Tier II team is ranked 6th in the nation and undefeated in CHC play. Girls from both organizations gained new opportunities, and we found a like-minded hockey partner with the same passion and purpose. We’re excited for the upcoming tryouts and season as we believe the new Connecticut Stars will be one of the few in our region to offer girls at every level the opportunity to play hockey.“

Aside from breadth of programming, the Connecticut Stars deliver top-tier coaches seasoned in adjusting the player development model to ensure players have the right balance of challenge to drive growth and have fun. With 40 years of combined experience, the new organization boasts three national championship titles at both Tier I and Tier II levels, 500+ boarding school placements, 220+ college placements, and a sold-out Learn to Play program with 80+ participants. 

Rodham added: “Our purpose is to grow the game of girls hockey and support every player’s aspiration.  We have the resources to help advanced athletes looking to play in college and beyond as well as those who are more focused on enjoying the experience of playing hockey with their friends.”

The Connecticut Stars will operate Tier I, Tier II, and CGHL teams at almost every age bracket from U8 - U19 for the 2020  – 2021 season. Tryouts for U8 – U12 will run from March 21 – 28, and for U14 – U19 take place April 16 – 26. Registration opens on February 1, 2020.

About Mid Fairfield Stars
The Mid Fairfield Stars is a highly competitive all-girls travel hockey club with 143 players, eight Tier I and II teams (U12 – U19), and national name recognition. Their girl's program was started in 2000 and is one of the best in the country, boasting 29 state championships, 32 regional championships, a USA Hockey National Championship title (2011), 475+ boarding school and 220+ collegiate placements, and even a few Olympians. 

About Shoreline Sharks Youth Hockey
The Shoreline Sharks offers a range of developmental and competitive hockey programs for girls ages 3-19. Started in 2000, the organization has grown to become the largest all-girls hockey program in Southern Connecticut with 270+ participants. Core programs include 11  travel teams at multiple competitive levels from development to Tier II, and initiatives focused on introducing and teaching hockey to beginners through Learn to Play Clinics, a House League, and Try Hockey for Free events. The Sharks earned two USA Hockey National Championship titles (2017 & 2018).  

For More Information:
Pam Miller
Director of Marketing
pmiller@shorelinesharkshockey.com
203-829-4757