By Andy Hutchison

The Stamford-Westhill-Staples girls high school hockey team is a co-op group with a next-player-up mantra. 

The Black Knights have been competing not against only tough opponents, but have been battling the injury and illness bugs along the way as well.

“What we liked about today is that we stepped up,” Head Coach John Fay said following his team’s 4-0 victory over Fairfield Ludlowe at Sacred Heart University’s Martire Family Arena on Jan. 30. 

Fay noted that players this season have been forced to take on different positions but rose to the occasion.

Olivia Vazquez and Katilin Puk both scored twice in that contest, and goaltender McCaffrey Tuttle registered 34 saves for the shutout.

“I’m really proud of the effort,” the coach added.

The Feb. 26/March 1 FCIAC tourney takes the top four in the standings, and the Knights have aspirations for post-season success after savoring it last winter.

“Having played in the state championship last year, our squad has a taste of what they could accomplish when they work hard. They are hungry to get back for another chance. A little more than halfway through the season, we continue to compete and very much control our own destiny,” Fay said.

The cooperative effort between three schools makes for a unique experience.

“We all come together so it’s really nice. The energy’s always up with the team,” said Liz Brown, a captain from Stamford.

“I just think it’s really cool schools can come together,” said Staples player Sophie Grijns, adding that there is a special sort of unity within the team. “Towns don’t define us and friendships know no boundaries.” 

“We are a co-op team that takes pride in our ability to come together from different schools and neighborhoods for a common goal which is to compete hard and have fun,” Fay said. 

“Qualifying for and playing well in both the FCIAC and state tournaments are always objectives for the program. Also important is developing all of the players, including our JV group,” he added.

The winning formula is twofold.

“We like to think our style invokes playing hard at both ends of the ice — pressuring teams in the opponents end, executing our systems and defending well,” the coach said.

With an eye on a possible return to the state final while looking ahead to future seasons the team strives to make strides each time it hits the ice.

“Every game is an opportunity to see where we are and continue to improve,” Fay said.

“In addition to wanting to be successful in our conference and state league, we are most interested in learning and improving as a team each game. Hopefully, that leads to us playing our best hockey when it counts most,” he added.

As the season gives way to the final month, the team’s point leaders were Ella Pearle with 11, captain Gracie Kapitan and Avery Askew each with 10, Alex Hackett with seven and captain Annie Leyden with six,

Hackett is a captain and Staples representative who brings not only scoring prowess but strong leadership to the lineup.

“She just really enjoys the team and playing hard. Her attitude is infectious for the team,” Fay said.

With success comes a boost in interest and the program has grown since last year with seven freshmen in the mix. This has made for both varsity and JV lineups and games. 

Staples representatives (JV and varsity) include Katie Beirne, Marley Converse (goaltender), Sophie Grijns, Alex Hackett, Daisy Hackett, Makayla Hein, Hayden Hein, Mulsy Sundararajan, Jade Reejhsinghani and Anna Schwartz.

Fay is joined by fellow Head Coach Steve Falcone and Assistant Coaches Ned Costanzo and Biz Fay (John Fay’s daughter).

The rest of the roster includes Emma Adams, Paige Grant, Hayden Hein, Shelia Molina, Anabelle Schwartz, Audreylin Sherwood, Rachel Sukinder, Thai Dupervil, Lauren Smith, Kimberly Yanes Flores and Nika Stepanov.

Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories in Fairfield County, since the 1990s.