Fresh off an Olympic gold medal in February, Ottawa Charge goalie Gwyneth Philips is still trying to put the experience into words.
“Winning gold still feels like a bit of a fever dream. It was the ultimate goal I’d been chasing, and to achieve it with that group of amazing women was incredibly special. Having my friends and family there made it even more meaningful.”
For Philips, winning the most important title in women’s hockey made her reflect on just about everything that led her to Milan. The incredibly long drives, the early mornings, and the people in her life who shared her road to gold. Many of those people were in Italy with her to share the moment, which Philips says made it even more meaningful.
“It really made me reflect on the village that helped me get there. It felt like my way of saying thank you to everyone who supported me along the way.”
While the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, Philips’ story began in her hometown of Athens, Ohio, a small, tightly-knit community where she was encouraged to explore everything from sports to theatre and art.
She wasn’t always a goalie, and she wasn’t always the starter. In fact, there were years at Northeastern University where she found herself behind one of the best goaltenders in the game, and trying to stay positive in limited opportunities while learning how to stay ready for the ones that did come.
Those experiences, unseen and unappreciated by most, helped shape her perspective.
Now in Ottawa, Philips is the star goalie for a Charge team she helped lead to the final last season as a PWHL rookie. This season, she’d love nothing more than a chance to get back there this spring and close the deal for a city that’s been a perfect fit for her, on and off the ice.
Since being drafted by the Charge in 2024, she’s been an open book on social media, taking fans and followers along for the ride on her outdoor adventures, and in her “Gorging with Gwyn” series, where she rates her favourite local restaurants. It’s a little glimpse behind the mask, and part of what’s made her one of the most interesting personalities in the league.
Philips looks back on growing up, her hockey career so far, and the things she’s passionate about away from the game.
Can you tell us about your hometown of Athens, Ohio, and a few of your favourite things about childhood?
It’s a small, close-knit community in southeast Ohio. The city is brought to life by Ohio University and the eclectic mix of people known as “townies.” One of my favourite things about my childhood was that I was always encouraged to be who I wanted to be. I wasn’t just a hockey player. I played multiple sports, was involved in school plays and art club, and spent a lot of time being adventurous and independent. I was never put in a box, and that really came from how supportive my family and community were.
What can you tell us about family?
My family has always been my biggest support system. Growing up, I looked up to my brother, who is six years older than me. I wanted to do everything he did. If he played hockey, I wanted to play hockey; if he played for a certain team, I wanted to be on that team too.
That included playing on a team two hours away, which meant my parents were driving us to Columbus four times a week, two hours each way, and often getting home around 1 a.m. That doesn’t even include all the weekend travel for games. They made huge sacrifices to help us chase our dreams, and now, my brother and my parents are still my biggest supporters.
Were you a goalie right away? Were you good right away?
I wasn’t a goalie right away, even though I always wanted to be. My dad was pretty against it at first, but over time I wore him down. I started playing goalie here and there, and by about age 12, it became my primary position.
I had the athleticism, and maybe a bit of quirkiness, but I definitely lacked structure early on. Fortunately, someone saw potential in me and convinced my dad to invest more time, energy, and coaching into my goaltending career.
What’s the best moment of your childhood hockey career?
It’s hard to pick just one, but U16 Nationals stand out. We really had no business making it to the championship game, but we were having so much fun and really bonding as a group that everything just clicked. It showed me early on how important team culture is to success.
What’s the biggest obstacle or challenge you’ve had to overcome in hockey?
During my first three years of college, I was the backup to Aerin Frankel, now with the Boston Fleet. I played maybe 15 games during that time, and it was tough to navigate that role, especially at a young and immature age. The other challenge was staying ready, whether it was for those limited opportunities or eventually stepping into the starting role, and learning how to grow through that process.
How would you describe the success of the PWHL and the support you feel from the fans?
It’s been amazing to watch the growth of the PWHL. Hitting two million fans, the success of the takeover tour games, and the support from home markets. It’s all been incredible to be part of. You can really feel it in Ottawa. The support here has been unbelievable, and it’s helped make everything feel very real. We truly have the best fans in the league and the way the city has embraced us has been unmatched.
Can you tell us about your love of hiking and your recent cross country journey in a camper you bought?
I’ve always loved hiking and camping, so with summers off, I wanted to reconnect with that. I bought a 12-foot trailer and towed it with my two-door Jeep from Ohio to Southern California, up the coast, and back.
I camped mostly on dispersed land, couldn’t go faster than 55 mph, and stopped at a ton of national parks. It was a slow, intentional trip, just a chance to rest and reset. I was able to do hikes that had been on my bucket list for years, like Half Dome & Angels Landing. I’m hoping to do something similar this summer, this time over to the Pacific Northwest and into Canada.
Was there a moment from the trip you’ll never forget?
Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park was unforgettable. It had been on my bucket list for years. I didn’t have a permit at first, but since I had no real schedule, I stayed in the park until I got one through the lottery. It ended up being one of the hardest day hikes I’ve ever done, but completely worth it.
You’re very active on social media. Can you tell us more about “Gorging with Gwyn?”
“Gorging with Gwyn” started as a way for me to connect with Ottawa. I think the best way to get to know a city is through its food and neighbourhoods. It’s helped me explore different parts of the city and really build an appreciation for it. That, and I’m not much of a cook, so I like eating out.
Can you tell us about Paris, your trusty sidekick?
Paris is my nine-year-old French bulldog, though you’d never guess it. I got her as a puppy in 2017, and in 2022 she came with me to school during my senior year of college. She joins me on a lot of my outdoor adventures, camping, hiking, and even bike rides in a backpack.
What are some of your favourite things to do in Ottawa?
Summer in Ottawa is completely different from winter, and I’ve really enjoyed experiencing that. I love spending time in Gatineau Park. There’s great hiking and gravel biking. I also like to climb, and there’s a great community for that here. Honestly, just being able to walk around the city in the sun is a big win.
After her 2026 Olympic gold medal experience, Ottawa Charge goalie Philips knows exactly what big wins look like in hockey. But with her positive, balanced view on life, it’s no surprise that she also sees them in the everyday, like a simple walk on a sunny afternoon.
