HEARTFELT: Princeton High girls’ hockey player Maggie Herring controls the puck in recent action. Last Thursday, senior forward and captain Herring tallied two goals and two assists as PHS defeated visiting Immaculate Heart Academy 12-5. The Little Tigers, who moved to 2-4 with the win, host Pingry on January 27 at Baker Rink for the program’s annual Senior Night Celebration. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Despite having defeated Immaculate Heart Academy by 10 goals earlier this month, the Princeton High girls’ hockey team wasn’t about to go through the motions when the foes met for a rematch last Thursday at Baker Rink.

“We were trying to get more of the girls who don’t score as much to go in there,” said PHS senior forward and team captain Maggie Herring.

“These sort of games get everybody back into their own groove. We start working together more because against most of the teams, we don’t get the puck that much because they are stronger.”

After Immaculate Heart narrowed the gap to 5-4 in the second period, Herring scored a big goal for PHS, weaving through Blue Eagle defenders and firing the puck into the top of the net.

“It is fun to practice some moves and go around people; high school hockey is a good place to practice for club hockey,” said Herring, who plays club hockey for the Princeton Tiger Lilies.

Pulling away in the third period, the Little Tigers outscored Immaculate Heart 6-1 to earn a 12-5 victory.

“We all came together and we worked hard,” said Herring, who tallied two goals and two assists in the win to help PHS improve to 2-4.

“We all had a good time on the bench, everyone is laughing, making jokes, cheering each other on. It is a really good team this year.”

As a team captain this year, Herring is determined to set a positive tone.

“It is my first year ever playing hockey as captain so that is exciting,” said Herring, who has been a standout for PHS since her freshman campaign.

“I get to relate to all of the girls and they respect me in different ways so it is rewarding. I want to encourage girls rather than boss them around.”

The Herring family has been around the PHS program for a while as older sisters, Keely and Lucy, were four-year stars for the Little Tigers.

“It is cool because we have all played on the same ice on the same team and now I am the last one so it is sad,” said Herring.

With just a few weeks left in the season, Herring is savoring her time on the ice.

“I thought I was going to be so happy that the 4:30 practices were over but as it comes to fewer and fewer practices, it gets kind of sad,” said Herring, who is heading to Bucknell University and is considering playing club squash there. “I am never actually going to do this again.”

PHS head coach Christian Herzog was happy to see his team get the chance to play Immaculate Heart again.

“It is an enjoyable game because you are coming into it, you have confidence,” said Herzog.

Herzog has enjoyed seeing how Herring has carried out her role as captain. “Maggie has been a good leader so far this year; she has been a leader in previous years but this year she has really stepped up,” said Herzog.

“She understands that this is her last year, and to enjoy the opportunities and spend the time with the ladies when you have the time.”

With his team bringing a 6-4 lead into the third period against Immaculate Heart, Herzog sensed that it would pull away.

“They had the confidence that we can get it done,” said Herzog. “We have some skilled players on the squad.”

Freshman Victoria Zammit showed her skill in the win over the Blue Eagles, scoring three goals.

“She has been a great addition to the squad,” said Herzog, who also got three goals and one assist from sophomore assistant captain Olivia Corrodi with senior Ashley Dart contributing a goal and an assist.

The big night for Corrodi, who plays on the team’s top line along with Herring and Zammit, was heartening for Herzog.

“Corrodi had the hat trick which is great to see her do because a lot of times she is overshadowed by the other two, at least in scoring,” said Herzog. “She is always on the line and contributes and gets the assist.”

In Herzog’s view, the team’s great unity encourages everyone to contribute.

“They enjoy the camaraderie; they are already getting sad that one of the defenseman Orsi (Stipsicz), a transplant from Hungary, is leaving January 20,” said Herzog.

“I know she enjoyed the camaraderie and the girls accepted her hands down. She made some good friendships.”

Herring, for her part, is basking in that camaraderie as she wraps up her hockey career.

“Have as much fun as we can, that is our motto,” said Herring, who will be looking to have a lot of fun when PHS hosts Pingry on January 27 at Baker Rink for the program’s annual Senior Night Celebration.

“We always try to have a good time. Before the game, we are playing music in the locker room. We are talking about our goals; we all go around and say our one goal for the game.”