Gwyneth Philips discusses learning and doing what she can to support Team USA as the program's third goalie at the 2024 World Championships, and her excitement for turning pro next season. PWHL Ottawa selected the first goaltender of the PWHL Draft choosing Northeastern Huskies standout Gwyneth Philips 14th overall. A First Team All-American with Northeastern this season, and the 2023 NCAA Goaltender of the Year, Philips is the most decorated netminder to come out of the NCAA this year. She was also USA's third goalie at the recent World Championships. As the PWHL's hockey operations department stated, Philips “Plays a similar style as her former Northeastern teammate Aerin Frankel. She never quits on a puck and can steal a game with her compete and athleticism. Lots of upside and can push to be a PWHL starter.” "I'm looking forward to my next step...going into the new league I'm really excited for what's to come," said Philips about the PWHL [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/international/gwyneth-philips-soaking-in-the-process-with-team-usa]. "I'm still shell shocked by how cool it is and I'm not even part of it yet. I think it's blowing expectations and breaking down barriers and I can't wait to be part of that and play at that next level." The 23-year-old stole the third spot in USA's national team crease this year for the World Championships and USA Hockey will continue to watch the 5-foot-7 netminder as she progresses to the pros. Philips hasn't shared her crease over the last two seasons, but has shown her ability to step in as a back up as well. PWHL Ottawa needed crease reinforcements to challenge incumbent Emerance Maschmeyer. Ottawa's need to select a goalie was necessitated after Sandra Abstreiter did not accept a contract offer prior to the draft. Last season Philips posted a 1.17 GAA and .955 save percentage in 37 games, a year after posting an incredible 0.87 GAA and .960 save percentage as Northeastern's starter.
