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. Gwyneth Philips stares down a shooter during a drill in USA's practice April 7 during the IIHF World Championships in Utica, New York. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTk3MjIyOTM3NjM0NzE2/gwyneth-philips-usa.jpg] Gwyneth Philips stares down a shooter during a drill in USA's practice April 7 during the IIHF World Championships in Utica, New York. Gwyneth Philips is one of the best goaltenders in North America. Last year she was the NCAA Goaltender of the Year. This season, Philips was named a First Team All-American. To cap off her campaign, and bridge the gap to professional hockey, Philips also earned a spot on Team USA for the 2024 World Championships as the team's third goalie. "Right now I'm just taking it all in," said Philips of her first experience at the World Championships with Team USA. "Adjusting to the play, the practices, learning from the senior mentorship on the goalie side. With Nic(ole Hensley) and Aerin (Frankel) there's a lot to learn so I'm really just taking it stride by stride from them." Following this experience, Philips is expected to be one of the few netminders from across the globe capable of stealing a spot in the PWHL next season as she readies herself to declare for the draft and enter the league. Leaving Northeastern where she starred in recent seasons in the NCAA was bittersweet, but Philips is excited for what is to come. "I'm looking forward to my next step...going into the new league I'm really excited for what's to come," she added. "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," said Philips of the PWHL. For now however, Philips is focused on being a good teammates and doing whatever she can, even if it's in practice, to help USA win gold.
