STATE OF GRACE: Princeton High girls’ hockey player Grace Rebak controls the puck in a game last season. Senior captain and star defender Rebak is providing athleticism and leadership for PHS. The Tigers, now 0-2-1, return to action after the holiday break by playing the Lawrenceville JV on January 12 at their Loucks Ice Center and then hosting Princeton Day School on January 14 at Ice Land Rink. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It hasn’t taken long for a pair of freshmen, Cece Gibb and Cassie Speir, to form a potent one-two punch this winter for the Princeton High girls’ hockey team.

In a 10-6 loss to Randolph on December 14 in its final action before the holiday break, PHS got three goals apiece from Gibb and Speir.

Tiger head coach Christian Herzog knows he is lucky to have Gibb and Speir join the program.

“Cece is a Tier 1 Colonials player, it is a great pickup for us,” said Herzog, whose team started 0-2-1 before going on holiday break.

“She has the speed, she can shoot. We put her on defense and she has the green light any time she feels like it to make a play. She is a smaller player but she has speed like no other, she has amazing skating. Cassie is big for a freshman, she plays travel too with the Tiger Lilies. She is strong on the puck, she is aggressive and is not afraid. She has a great shot. Those two players are pretty much leaned on all the way.”

A third newcomer, Maya Hagt, is also making an impact in the early going.

“Maya is another freshman who plays for the Tiger Lilies,” added Herzog. “She moves well with the puck.”

Williams College-bound senior Grace Rebak, who also stars in field hockey and girls’ lacrosse for PHS, is providing athleticism and leadership for the squad.

“Grace is back, she is the head captain,” said Herzog, whose assistant captains are seniors Defne Arsoy and Kelsey Riley.

“She is an all-around athlete. She works well with the younger players helping them find a place on the team. She is a great kid.”

Another senior, Tessa Solvibile, has carved out a nice place on the squad.

“Tessa has been on the team for a few years,” said Herzog.

“She lives and breathes hockey, She loves hockey. She likes to play hard, she has a lot of personality.”

At goalie, senior Jadie Tome is poised for a solid final campaign.

“Jadie is returning between the pipes,” said Herzog. “We are excited for her senior season; she tends to get better as the season goes on.”

With PHS returning to action after the holiday break by playing the Lawrenceville School JV on January 12 at their Loucks Ice Center and then hosting Princeton Day School on January 14 at Ice Land Rink, Herzog is emphasizing an upbeat approach.

“I want them to continue with the positive attitude,” said Herzog.

“I keep reiterating this, I say ladies at the end of the day, I am very realistic. We are not playing at the Olympics, it is about these memories that you are making, whether it is the road trips or the hotels, singing on the bus, or the early morning practices.”