It’s Gwyneth Philips’ team and crease in Ottawa now. The netminder will take over the Ottawa Charge net as the team’s new starter following the injury to Emerance Maschmeyer.
Her team has full faith in Philips, and it’s not a position she’s unaccustomed to.
“Gwyneth Philips is so built for that type of challenge (replacing Emerance Maschmeyer). She’s so calm in her demeanor,” says Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod. “She’s very focused, but in her way she’s a relaxed and present. Not a lot throws her off. It’s what makes her great. We’ve seen it in multiple outings
now. She just goes in, and she just does her job. She’s a great character. She’s a fun teammate and she just she doesn’t let moments be bigger than they are.”
Philips is used to stepping into a position once held by a star netminder and thriving. At Northeastern, she took over for four year starter Aerin Frankel. When Philips took the net, she was named the NCAA Goaltender of the Year in her first season as starter. She followed that up by a second consecutive First Team All-American nod. The result was the Ottawa Charge selecting Philips 14th overall in the 2024 PWHL Draft; the top netminder chosen. She also earned a spot on USA’s senior national team for the World Championships.
In seven games this season, Philips posted a 2.29 GAA and .908 save percentage. She became the first rookie in PWHL history to record a shutout making 22 saves against the Minnesota Frost on January 21. Philips will be backed up by Logan Angers, who has yet to see action this season.
At Northeastern, Philips never felt the shadow, she simply waited for her time to shine. In Ottawa, with a playoff spot on the line, the Charge are hoping Philips will do the same.
