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Schulte Taking Lead Role in Goal As PHS Girls' Hockey Moves to 7-1
By Bill Alden
Emily Schulte knew that she was under the gun before the Princeton High girls' hockey team even started its season.
Having served as the understudy for the Little Tigers' star goalie Britney Russell last winter, Schulte was stepping into the leading role between the pipes in the wake of Russell's graduation.
What appeared to be the biggest question mark for PHS coming into the winter has turned into a major plus as Schulte has ably filled the large skates of Russell, yielding just over two goals a game.
After PHS' 8-0 win over Stuart last Wednesday at Baker Rink, Schulte's first career shutout, the sophomore goalie acknowledged that she is reaching a comfort level.
"It was a lot of pressure at first but we've won most of our games so that's eased it," said Schulte. "My teammates have been real supportive, that's made it easier."
Schulte notes that she learned a lot from her illustrious predecessor Russell, who was the cornerstone of the PHS program. "Britney taught me everything pretty much," added Schulte. "I learned about glovework and positioning from her."
Schulte put those lessons to work as she put herself through a rigorous preseason regimen this past summer. "I played in a summer league at Ice Land which went from May to July," said Schulte, who also tends goal for the Nassau Hockey Under-19 girls' team. "I also went to goalie camp. I was sort of confident coming into the season."
PHS head coach Matt Becan feels the team has hardly missed a beat with Schulte between the pipes. "This was her varsity shutout, that was huge," said Becan, whose team improved to 7-1 with a 7-3 win over Summit last Saturday. "Emily is really sound and smart in seeing the puck and getting in front of it. She covers her angles really well. She has made some big saves for us."
In Becan's view, Schulte's mental approach has helped her make the most of her opportunity once she got the chance to start. "I think she was confident from last year, she had a good idea what she was stepping into," explained Becan.
"She prepared herself perfectly for it. She was at all the practices last year and has been very committed to the team. She has really stepped up to her role which is really nice to see."
Becan has seen a lot of nice things as the Little Tigers' program has continued its marked progress. "Our lines are coming together," said Becan, noting that he had switched high-scoring captain Louise Finnell to the second line to give that trio some extra punch. "We've created more scoring on the second line. We really have two even lines which gives us more flexibility. We need that against the good teams."
PHS, currently ranked fourth in the state, will be facing one of those big teams when it plays at third-ranked Princeton Day School on January 29.
"PDS is going to be a big game for us," asserted Becan. "I'm sure the girls are anxious and a little bit nervous, mostly anxious to get to it. I think they are ready to play them."
Schulte is ready to continue her progress as the Little Tigers take on the 6-8 Panthers. "I think we're looking forward to it, it's going to be a fun game," said Schulte, referring to the clash with PDS. "I just want to stay pretty consistent and stop all of the shots."
