Ottawa Charge goaltender Gwyneth Philips, left, defends the net against the Minnesota Frost during the first period of Game 4 of the PWHL hockey finals Monday, May 26, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

By The Canadian Press

Charge goaltender Philips looks to build on stellar rookie PWHL season

Nov 11, 2025 | 3:24 PM

OTTAWA — Gwyneth Philips can still walk down the street in Ottawa and enjoy a little anonymity.

That could change soon.

The Ottawa Charge goaltender turned heads in her Professional Women’s Hockey League rookie season. The 25-year-old posted a 1.23 goals-against-average and .952 save percentage in eight playoff games and won the Ilana Kloss playoff MVP trophy, despite being on the losing team in the Walter Cup final.

Philips, the Charge’s third round pick in the 2024 draft, was thrust into the spotlight after veteran Emerance Maschmeyer suffered a season-ending injury in March. Philips posted a cumulative record of 9-3-4 in 16 games in the regular season and playoffs.

While the Charge fell short in their quest for the Walter Cup, losing to the Minnesota Frost in four games, Philips a the big reason they even had a chance. Her performance earned her a two-year contract extension and the undisputed title of No. 1 goaltender, with Maschmeyer signing with the expansion Vancouver Goldeneyes.

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“Yeah, well, I appreciate (general manager Mike Hirshfeld’s) confidence in me,” said Philips. “You know, we signed that extension together. That was a group effort. I’m super excited to have done that.

“We lost a few players, but behind the scenes, Mike and Carla (head coach Carla McLeod) were working to fill those gaps and create a stellar team in front of me for this upcoming season. I’m pretty confident they did that.”

While everything was new for Philips last year as a rookie, she now feels far more prepared for what lies ahead.

“A little bit more confidence, just because I didn’t know what to expect last season,” Philips said. “Never played a professional game before. So just a little bit more confidence that I can hang with this group, and I can hang in the league.”

She also took time this summer to think about her recovery and what her body will need to manage the heavier workload and feels confident the necessary supports are in place.

With the changes to the Charge roster Philips knows there will be some adjustments, but she’s looking forward to working with her new teammates.

Last season the Charge, who finished third in the regular season, were tied with New York for fewest goals scored (71) and most allowed (80). The league has struggled to generate scoring, making goaltending that much more critical.

But pressure isn’t something that bothers Philips.

“Honestly, I think I’ve always had a really good relationship with a work balance,” she said. “I’ve always taken my time in the off-season to enjoy the things that I can’t usually prioritize during the season, and I think that kind of helps that relationship with hockey.”

Philips’ ability to take things in stride should also help as the season progresses.

“I think her best quality is just no moment is too big and she’s got a short memory,” said Charge goalie coach Pierre Groulx. “Big save or goal or whatever happens, she’s just on to the next moment, the next save.”

And in stressful times you might find Philips out and about with her eight-year-old French bulldog, Paris, and she’s OK if the dog is the bigger attraction.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 11, 2025.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press