In terms of leadership, Caty Flagg lets her stellar play do the talking.

As the 5-foot-5 goalie skated onto the ice at Lawler Rink in North Andover early Tuesday afternoon, the state’s first snowfall of the season blanketing the ground outside, she showed little emotion.

Her bulky pads were heaped on, giving the impression of a Russian nesting doll as she quickly stretched at center ice and skated to the net to begin drills with her Austin Prep teammates.

In a one-hour session, Flagg faced an array of 2-on-1 and 3-on-1 attacks. She didn’t muster as much as a celebratory stick tapping when she slid across the crease to deny a one-timer, or when she casually flicked her glove out to snag a shot after the whistle had already blown.

Every move made was calculated and executed to make the save.

No more, no less.

When the senior from Methuen finally joined her teammates back at center ice to close out practice, Prep coach Stephanie Wood motioned for a player to break the huddle.

One of the Cougars’ three captains for the 2015-2016 season, Flagg was silent as a teammate counted 3-2-1.

Flagg is the last line of defense at Austin Prep, but don’t expect any thunderous commands from between the pipes. Instead of barking instructions, she lets her play establish order on the ice.

Her consistent performance in net and ability to lead is the difference between victory and defeat many nights for Austin Prep.

Early in her high school career, Flagg followed the lead of Shannon O’Neil, a two-time Catholic Central League MVP and Boston Globe All-Scholastic selection. She began to learn how to institute herself as the future backbone of the team.

“I’ve tried to mimic the leaders we’ve had in the past,’’ said Flagg, who registered a 1.15 goals-against average last season in Prep’s march to the Division 1 state semifinal against eventual champion Reading.

“My teammates and I have established a type of support system where we all help each other out,’’ said Flagg.

“I play the best that I can in order to make my contribution. I’m not much of a vocal person, so I try to be someone my teammates can look up to through how I play.’’

Wood, in her fourth season at the helm of Austin Prep, is also the women’s director of the Islanders Hockey Club. Flagg suits up for the club in the offseason.

“Between high school and club play and off the ice, Caty is a very humble person,’’ Wood said.

“No matter what, she’s always calm and composed. That’s important because the nature of the goalie position is different than any other. As the backbone of [Austin Prep], she steps up and allows everyone to work off of that.’’

Kaia Hollingsworth, an 8th grader at Marsh Grammar School, is in her second season as the starting goalie for the Methuen-Tewksbury co-op team.

“Kaia is someone who chooses to lead with her play,’’ said Methuen-Tewksbury coach Sarah Oteri. “She tends to be quiet but it fits well into the team.’’

Hollingsworth boasts a 0.971 save percentage with two shutouts and a 5-0 record.

“With Kaia providing a strong foundation, the defense and forwards can be confident and try new things,’’ Oteri said.

“You need someone that can make the big plays, and that’s what Kaia provides. For her age (13) it’s impressive, and sometimes that’s all you need in a leader.’’

The Haverhill-Pentucket-North Andover co-op team is counting on senior Michaela Kane in goal.

A captain, Kane leads a experienced squad this year with a unique combination of quietness mixed with flashes of high intensity.

“Normally, Michaela is quiet and just sticks to her high level of play, but she picks her moments to make her voice heard,’’ said Gary Kane, the team’s coach and Michaela’s father.

“When she speaks you can hear a pin drop. Every once and a while she’ll throw in a ‘Let’s Go!’ in between periods and I see her teammates really being inspired by that fieriness.’’

His daughter’s reserved demeanor pairs well with her knowledge of the game, which Kane says is thanks to her desire to study the game outside of practices and games.

“She’s always trying to scout with me,’’ said the coach.

“She takes it all in and then she’ll come back at another time and just say ‘Dad, this is what we need to do.’ She knows the game so well.’’

For Flagg and Austin Prep — a team that has seen substantial growth since Flagg’s arrival and is coming off of two straight state semifinal appearances — the overall goal is approaching championship or bust.

With Flagg anchoring those hopes before she heads off to the University of New England next year to play ice hockey and softball , the idea is far from farfetched.

“Caty’s humbleness complements her outstanding play and the rest of the team strategy in such a great way,’’ Wood said.

“This may be the year.’’

Ethan Schroeder can be reached at ethan.schroeder@globe.com.