First Four Indutees to Connecticut Hall of Fame

Three Players, One Admin. In First Batch

January 4, 2008

FARMINGTON, Conn. – Eight people will be inducted into the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame this year, the 10th anniversary of the local hall of enshrinement. The inductees will be honored at the 10th annual CSHOF Induction Dinner to be held at the Farmington Marriott on Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. Here are the first four inductees. Check back with Soccer New England for the next four tomorrow.

1) Thomas Gardiner (Portland, CT)

Tom Gardiner combined tremendous soccer skill with tremendous strength as a dominant youth player in the 1970's. He was a force on powerful RHAM High School and Connecticut state teams during this time, winning the state championship in 1977 He was All-State and All-New England in '77 and '78. Gardiner joined the U.S. Youth National Team in 1979 and traveled the world representing his country on the field, including play in the 1981 Youth World Cup in Australia. He continued his career at Southern Connecticut State University where he made one Final Four before becoming a professional soccer player after signing with the Philadelphia Fever of the MISL in 1981. A torn MCL in 1981 and ankle surgery in 1982 effectively ended Gardiner's competitive career and cut short a bright future in professional soccer.

2) Arthur S. Hennig (Avon, CT)

Art Hennig is being recognized 30 years of commitment and service to soccer in the Connecticut. He has been a dedicated coach, referee, and administrator during this time. Hennig co-founded Avon Soccer Club in 1977 and has served as its president since 1979. He has served on the state and regional Olympic Develop Program staff and has been a Vice President of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association since 1998. Hennig has involved himself in various soccer projects and events during his tenure, including Senior Soccer Bowls, 1995 International Special Olympics, International Games, Region 1 and CJSA Conventions. In 2006 he was named Avon Citizen of The Year.

3) Mickey Kydes (Riverside, CT)

Mickey Kydes was a quick, skillful player for Norwalk High School from 1978 - 1981 who became a two-time All-American at Long Island University. He was a member of the U.S. National Team for the 1987 Pan American Games and won a gold medal at the Olympic Festival the same year. He was a first round draft pick in the 1986 Major Indoor Soccer League draft and the 1986 American Professional Soccer League draft. Kydes played for various professional teams, earning two USISL All Starnods member of Connecticut Wolves and New York Fever (1992-1995) and even played for the New York/New Jersey Metrostars of MLS (1996).

4) Kevin Maher (Previously Guilford, CT. Currently Lewis Center, Ohio)

Kevin Maher was a standout player for Guilford High School and Yale University before embarking on a professional indoor soccer career. He won three consecutive state championship with Guilford from 1976 to 1978 and was named All-American in 1978. Maher was a two-time All-America at Yale University and is their second leading goal scorer and points leader all-time (33 goals, 44 assists). In his senior season, he finished 4th in voting for the MAC Hermann Trophy, given annually to the nation's top soccer player. In addition, he played for the United Stated Under-23 National Team in 1983 and 1984, including the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracus, Venezuela. Maher joined the Pittsburgh Spirit of the Major Indoor Soccer League and earned Rookie of the Year honors in the 1983-1984 season.