Edward Marley Hellier of South Portland is the best boys’ lacrosse goaltender in the state. That’s a strong consensus opinion even if opposing coaches and players don’t immediately recognize the name.

To the Maine lacrosse community, he is simply T-Moe, the game-changing goalie who led South Portland to two straight Class A championship games, including a victory in 2014.

Hellier is the Maine Sunday Telegram/boys’ lacrosse Player of the Year because of his skill and the respect he’s earned from opposing coaches.

“He forces you to have to change what you’re trying to do,” said Cheverus Coach Bill Bodwell.

“He plays with a swagger that makes a difference. I’d say he’s the difference of four or five goals a game,” Westbrook’s Josh Plowman said.

“In my opinion, South Portland has three or four more losses without T-Moe,” Thornton Academy Coach Ryan Hersey said.

Hellier is grateful for the recognition.

“For them to think that highly of me is very special,” Hellier said. “I try to play as hard as I can and be a good sport at the same time, so for them to recognize that feels good.”

South Portland Coach Tom Fiorini said the praise is justified.

“He changes the way kids shoot at the cage,” Fiorini said. “So many shots go wide, and that’s because kids are trying to get it on the pipes because they know if it’s not, it’s not going in.”

Hellier made 91 saves – the lowest total in his four seasons as a starter. South Portland allowed just 4.4 goals per game before its 13-9 loss to unbeaten Brunswick in the Class A title game.

So, what is the origin of T-Moe?

His father Edward, a beloved youth coach in South Portland who died June 17, 2013, was called Ted.

“His middle name was Whittier and he hated it,” T-Moe said. “I would have been Edward Whittier the fifth.”

Ted and Susan Hellier planned to call their son Teddy Marley, but older sister Eliza mispronounced it as Teddy Moe. Soon, it was simply T-Moe.

“I didn’t even know my name was Edward until I was about 7,” T-Moe says with a laugh. “I went to kindergarten and couldn’t find my cubby because there was no cubby with T-Moe on it.”

This fall, he’ll begin making his name at Division III Goucher College in Towson, Maryland, a suburb of lacrosse hotbed Baltimore.

“They’re going to get this kid and I’ll be shocked if he’s not the starting goalie by the time his freshman season is over,” Fiorini said.

“He has such great position on the ball and he has quick hands, and his eyes are always on the ball. You see pictures of him making a save and his eyes are wide open.”

THE ALL-STATE TEAM

Jack Drinan, Cape Elizabeth senior, defenseman: Versatile player who shifted from midfield to strengthen Capers’ defense. Drinan led the team in ground balls and excelled at causing turnovers and clearing balls to the offense.

Jack Fiorini, South Portland junior, midfielder: The only non-senior in Maine to be named All-America this year, the tall, physical Fiorini scored 42 goals and added 31 assists and 56 ground balls.

Cam Glover, Brunswick senior, midfielder: Led the Dragons to their first state title since 2007 with five goals in the Class A final against South Portland. He had 51 goals and 22 assists, is a two-time All-American and two-time KVAC Player of the Year.

T-Moe Hellier, South Portland senior, goalie: A repeat All-Telegram pick and two-time All-American, Hellier made 91 saves and had a 4.4 goals-against average entering the state final, and was known for his ability to change opponents’ shots and attack plans.

Bryce Kuhn, Falmouth senior, attacker: An All-America selection, Kuhn had 57 goals and 13 assists to lead Falmouth to the Western Class B final. A top student, Kuhn will attend Colgate University.

Tommy Lawson, Cheverus senior, midfielder: The SMAA Player of the Year as a junior and a two-time All-American, Lawson produced 46 goals and 21 assists. A nose guard in football, Lawson will play lacrosse at Stevens (N.J.) Institute.

Henry Oliva, Yarmouth senior, defenseman: Often overshadowed by his twin brother, Oliva did his best work against the top attackmen in the state. A first-team All-WMC player, Oliva led Yarmouth with 46 ground balls.

Joe Oliva, Yarmouth senior, attacker: A proficient scorer, Oliva added 29 assists to his 46-goal season and was also second on the team with 34 ground balls, a rarity at attack. He and his brother will play at Colby College.

Griffin Thoreck, Cape Elizabeth senior, attacker: A two-time All-American, Thoreck shifted from midfield to attacker this season. He led Cape to its third straight Class B title with 47 goals and 27 assists. He’ll play at Division III Lynchburg (Va.).

Jake Truman, Gardiner senior, defenseman: Truman and teammate Josh Caldwell led the Tigers to the Eastern Class B semifinals and were named All-Americans.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Don Glover, Brunswick: Glover guided the Dragons to a 16-0 record, capped by a 13-9 victory against defending Class A champion South Portland in the state title game. South Portland Coach Tom Fiorini said, “Don Glover’s got to be it. He took his team undefeated, he beat Cape Elizabeth, he beat Yarmouth, he beat us. How can it not be him?”

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