As the Ottawa Charge prepare for the Professional Women’s Hockey League playoffs, all eyes are on goaltender Gwyneth Philips. Can she recapture the form that made her the playoff MVP last season? The Charge secured the final playoff spot on the last day of the regular season, but they enter the postseason as the league's hottest team, having won their last four games. Philips was instrumental in that run, recording two shutouts and stopping 130 of 132 shots.
Philips' Stellar Regular Season
Philips led the league in minutes played during the regular season, posting a 16-11-0-1 record with a 2.12 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. Her consistency has been a key factor for the Charge, who finished as the No. 4 seed but boast momentum heading into the playoffs.
Playoff Experience from Last Year
Last season, Philips was thrust into the starting role after Emerance Maschmeyer suffered a season-ending injury. As a rookie, she started 16 consecutive games, compiling a 9-3-4 record in the regular season and playoffs combined. In the playoffs, she made 257 saves—over 100 more than any other goalie—while posting a 1.23 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage. The Charge won four games before falling to the Minnesota Frost in the championship series.
Five of Ottawa’s eight playoff games went into overtime, including one that lasted four extra periods. Philips reflected on that experience, saying, “It’s a lot of hockey, and it happens fast. If you’re on the Ottawa Charge, you play in a ton of overtime, so you just learn what it takes to be there and to be ready for the next game.”
Handling Pressure
Despite the high stakes, Philips did not feel overwhelmed. “I was still pretty new at the time and just kind of rolling with the punches, just out there having fun,” she said. “I think there should be a little bit more pressure, but we’re all doing what we love and playing for each other.”
Looking Ahead
As the Charge begin their playoff journey with a road game against the Boston Fleet, Philips is focused on the present. “Knowing what playoff hockey is like is really helpful,” she said. “But it’s a new year, new season, so I’m trying not to take too much of last year’s run with me this year.”
The Charge will rely on Philips’ experience and hot streak to make a deep run. With her playoff MVP pedigree, she remains a formidable force between the pipes.
