A famous hockey name is returning to the place he grew up. And, if all goes right, he’ll be using his name and his expertise to make money for himself – and the city.

The Edward L. Bennett Rink has announced that former West Haven High School hockey great Marty Crouse will be bringing his years of experience and wealth of hockey knowledge to the West Haven rink starting in spring.

Crouse, formerly of the Rinks at Shelton, where he served as Director of Hockey Operations, will be coming to West Haven to conduct his own hockey leagues and clinics and help produce revenue when the 40-year-old facility sees a lot of downtime.

According to Jon Capone, West Haven Athletic Director and supervisor of the Rink and Fitzgerald Complex, the new title given Crouse is “Director of Hockey Operations.” He admits that might seem as if a new position was created for the former Blue Devils star, but that’s not the case.

“Marty is going to be a bit of a free agent,” said Capone in making the announcement this week. “He’s been given a title, but he’s going to try to utilize the ice time at the rink at the two times of the year the facility doesn’t create a lot of revenue.”

Capone said that Crouse will formulate spring leagues, clinics, and instructional camps that will generate revenue for himself and, in the process, the Bennett Rink.

“There are two times of the year when the rink doesn’t produce a lot of revenue,” said Capone. “From Aug. 15 to Nov. 15 and from March 15 to June 15, it’s not used for a lot. Marty will come in and develop these programs. If he’s successful, we’ll be successful.”

The timing of the program development suits Crouse well. He’s the head coach of the St. Joseph High School Cadets in Trumbull, and his coaching and other pursuits would be inhibited.

“Basically, he’s going to be self-employed and both of us are going to reap the benefits of his expertise,” said Capone.

Plans call for Crouse to organize in-house leagues for mites, squirts, peewees, bantams, midgets, plus high school and the West Haven Wings, premier spring tournament teams for all levels. He will also offer a stick time, skills clinics and pick-up hockey, throughout the spring and early summer.

“It’s a way to get West Haven kids and players to use the great facilities we’ve got here,” said Crouse this week. “If you look around, kids are going to other facilities because of what’s being offered, and then registering with other programs. With the tradition of the West Haven Youth Hockey Association and the history of hockey in West Haven, we’re looking to help kids get what they need close to home.”

The plan could be a boon for both the city and Crouse. Well known for his skills and ability to convey them to players, it is hoped enthusiasts from all over the area will take the opportunity to hone their skills.

The city, meanwhile, has been looking for newer and better ways to generate revenue, particularly with the spate of new facilities that have sprung up in the last decade.

Capone, who took over as supervisor of the rink and Fitzgerald Complex a year ago is hoping the new arrangement will be beneficial and lucrative.

Crouse is a 1978 graduate where he was a two-time All-State hockey player and also was inducted into the West Haven High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. He is the son of legendary Blue Devil coach Art Crouse. He has been a life-long resident of the city..

“We invite all skaters from around the state to join his programs. He will be offering a wide range of activities for all ages, beginning with toddlers ‘Learn to Play Hockey’ programs, and up to and including co-ed adult group lessons, said Capone.

For more information you can go to www.crousehockeyskills.com.