History was made on March 10, 2025 as the Princeton Day School Girls’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team defeated Immaculate Heart Academy 7-0, successfully capturing their first New Jersey State Championship. The final, held at the Prudential Center, the home of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, made the victory more memorable and special for the players.
For sophomore player Victoria Sichel, the championship atmosphere was unforgettable. “It was really cool that it was at the arena [where] the Devils play. It made it a lot more meaningful to be in a stadium like that… it made it a lot more real.” From the individual cup holders on the bench to the high-quality facilities, every detail added to the significance of the championship for the players.
Although the season ended with a victory, the journey to the top wasn’t without challenges. Sichel noted how early-season injuries and conflicts could have derailed the team, but insead, these challenges brought them closer. “We also had a lot of injuries at the beginning of the season… then finally, we had all of our players back and I think we just grew really strong… So we were able to like muscle through a little bit.” This resilience was a key factor in their ability to overcome tough opponents and capture the championship.
Senior captain Aerin Bruno emphasized that experience and confidence played a crucial role in the game. Many team members had previously competed in high-stakes games, including the Libera championship matches (which they won), helping keep nerves in check. “I think our team kind of already knows what they’re doing. We have a lot of experienced players, so it’s kind of just reminding them that they already know what to do,” Aerin stated.
Senior assistant captain Grace Ulrich highlighted how last year’s heartbreaking semifinal loss fueled the team’s determination. This previous setback pushed for a better worth ethic, no matter the score. Grace expresses, “Everyone had to drive and focus, knowing that we didn’t want that to happen again. We didn’t think [with a] winning mentality, even up five goals. We were still pushing hard, knowing that any team could come back any day.”
As the goals piled up, excitement surged through the team and supporters. As Grace recalled, “Different people started scoring and the energy shifted.” When the final buzzer sounded, the celebration reflected pure joy. “We all jumped on top of each other… everyone was screaming and it was super fun,” Sichel voiced.
The win marked a milestone for the program. It is proof of what can happen when talent, teamwork, and determination come together at just the right moment.
