Chris Phillips is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 17 seasons. He was born on March 9, 1978, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Phillips started his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Prince Albert Raiders in 1994. He played for the Raiders for three seasons and was named the WHL's top defenseman in 1996-97.
Phillips was drafted first overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 1997-98 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. Phillips was known for his physical play, shot-blocking ability, and leadership skills. He was named an alternate captain of the Senators in 2006 and was later named the team's captain in 2012.
Phillips played his entire NHL career with the Senators, appearing in 1,179 regular-season games and 114 playoff games. He was a key member of the Senators team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007, where they lost to the Anaheim Ducks in five games. Phillips was also a member of the Canadian national team, winning a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Injuries began to take a toll on Phillips in the later years of his career. He missed the entire 2015-16 season due to a back injury and announced his retirement from professional hockey on May 26, 2016. Phillips finished his NHL career with 71 goals, 217 assists, and 1,296 penalty minutes.
Off the ice, Phillips was known for his charitable work in the Ottawa community. He was a spokesperson for the Ottawa Senators Foundation and was involved in numerous initiatives to support local charities and organizations. In recognition of his contributions, Phillips was awarded the NHL's King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2012, which is given annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.
In conclusion, Chris Phillips was a highly respected and accomplished NHL defenseman who played his entire career with the Ottawa Senators. He was known for his physical play, shot-blocking ability, and leadership skills, and was a key member of the Senators team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007. Off the ice, Phillips was a dedicated philanthropist who made significant contributions to the Ottawa community.
🏒