Medfield Native Making an Impact on the Rink at Princeton

Hockey has been part of Derrick Pallis’ life ever since his childhood days in Medfield.  The local hockey product was introduced to the sport at an early age and didn’t have to travel far to hit the ice.

“I had a pond in my backyard,” said Pallis.  “My dad strapped some skates on me when I was two years old.  I’ve been skating and playing hockey ever since.”

Nearly two decades since that first moment on the ice, Pallis is playing hockey at Princeton University.  The junior is one of the top defenseman for the Tigers, who are ranked 20th in the country and are fighting for one of the top spots in the ECAC.  Pallis is making a huge impact on the Princeton blue line.  He has four goals and seven assists this winter, but is also a plus-eight and has helped stabilize the Princeton defense.  Pallis now has 31 points in his career.

Two years ago, Pallis got a taste of the NCAA Tournament for the first time. After the Tigers struggled last year, few gave Pallis and his teammates a chance to contend this season.

“We came in with a little chip on our shoulders,” said Pallis.  “We were coming off a bit of a down year, and teams may have overlooked us on their schedule.”

Pallis and the Tigers aren’t sneaking up on opponents anymore. Princeton has a record of 14-8-1 and is hoping to get back to the NCAA’s next month. Pallis and line-mate Taylor Fedun lead the defense pairings in minutes and are also regulars on the Tiger power play unit.

“Taylor is a great player,” Pallis said.  It’s easy to play with him because you always know he’s got your back in any situation.  You can take a little risk knowing he’s going to be there to back you up.  It’s definitely a pleasure playing with him.”

Pallis has fond memories of his hockey days in Medfield.  He won a junior national championship with the Junior Boston Bruins in 2006 and went on to play at Noble and Greenough School.

“Playing there is good hockey,” said Pallis. “You play a lot of very good teams and play with a lot of good players.  It also prepared me academically for what I deal with here.”

It should come as no surprise that Pallis developed a passion for hockey. Each of his family members have the same love for the sport, and one of them gave Pallis the opportunity to sharpen his shooting skills at an early age.

“My family was a hockey family,” Pallis said.  “My dad and my sisters played a little bit growing up.  My mom would put pads on in the driveway and let me shoot on her. I grew up with hockey in my blood.”

When it came time to find the perfect college home, the academic advantages at Princeton were obvious.  However, Pallis realized the hockey program would be a perfect fit both on and off the ice. It took one visit to Princeton to convince Pallis to come to New Jersey.

“I got a chance to meet a lot of guys on the team and they really welcomed me,” said Pallis. “I felt like part of the team immediately. As soon as I met the guys, it was a very easy decision for me to make.”

Princeton is coached by Guy Gadowsky, a man who has a system of fast-paced hockey. It allows skilled defensemen such as Pallis to improvise on the ice.

“I love it,” Pallis said.  “It allows defenseman for me to make plays. We have our basic guidelines, but it really allows you as a player to almost do your own thing.”

The Princeton hockey program has a storied tradition, but the Tigers have never won an NCAA Tournament game. Pallis is hoping to get a chance at an NCAA victory this season. He is expected to be part of a contender once again next winter.  However, the pride of Medfield is taking everything one step at a time with a host of critical games remaining in the regular season.

“We’re not trying to look ahead too far,” said Pallis.  “We’re going into every game like it’s a playoff game.”    

Playoff games as intense as pond hockey in the backyard.