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In the world of professional hockey, every player’s journey is unique, filled with challenges and triumphs. For Noah Philp, a 27-year-old from Canmore, Alberta, the road to scoring his first NHL goal has been particularly winding. On a memorable Saturday night, Philp not only realized his dream but also played a crucial role in helping the Edmonton Oilers secure a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Philp’s story is one of resilience and determination. After being passed over in the NHL draft, he honed his skills at the University of Alberta Golden Bears. His impressive performances caught the attention of the Oilers, and by, he had signed with the team.
However, after a season with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield, he contemplated retirement and took a break from the sport.
The turning point
After some soul-searching and travel, Philp chose to return to the ice, entering the 2023-24 season with renewed enthusiasm.
He participated in 15 games with the Oilers, contributing two assists, but his real breakthrough came in the current season. During the second period of the game against Vancouver, a moment of brilliance occurred. After a scoreless first half, Philp broke the deadlock, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Scoring the first goal
Philp’s first goal was the result of a well-executed play. After a turnover in the defensive zone, he and teammate Kasperi Kapanen transitioned into an offensive rush. In a three-on-two situation, Kapanen skillfully passed the puck to Philp, who unleashed a precise snapshot that beat Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko.
Reflecting on the play, Philp stated, “We turned it over in the D-zone and I knew we had a three-on-two. I was just trying to get it over to him and drive the net.”
For Philp, the moment was exhilarating: “It felt great.
Once you do it, you know you can. I’ll just try to keep building on that and making plays.” His excitement was palpable as he acknowledged the importance of playing smart and seizing the right opportunities when they arise.
Support from teammates and family
As he celebrated his achievement, Philp was quick to express gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey. “It just reminds me of all the people who supported me. I’m just grateful to be here,” he said. While his wife celebrated in the stands, Philp’s parents were overseas in Sweden visiting his brother, who was playing there. He joked, “I wonder if they got up for the game; it’s like 4 a.m. or something. I’m sure my dad might have.”
Teammates’ reactions
The Oilers’ star forward, Leon Draisaitl, who added an empty-net goal later in the game, shared his excitement for Philp’s achievement. “It’s amazing to see,” he remarked. “Those stories always feel a little more special. He’s a really good kid who wants to make a difference.” Philp has been a consistent performer on the fourth line alongside Kapanen and Vasily Podkolzin, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed by head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Knoblauch praised the line’s performance, mentioning that he had given them more challenging minutes and they responded well. “It was nice to see Noah get rewarded with that nice goal,” he said, emphasizing the importance of Philp’s contribution to the team.
Looking ahead
As Philp reflects on this significant moment, he remains focused on improving his game. “I think there’s always kinks to work out. I still feel new to the league, but I’m excited to keep improving and to keep working at it,” he noted. With each game, he aims to build upon his experience and grow stronger as a player.
In addition to Philp’s goal, Andrew Mangiapane also marked his presence with a goal of his own, celebrating his 500th NHL game. The Oilers showcased their dominance over the Canucks, outshooting them 37-15, a testament to their strong performance. With Philp’s milestone achievement, it is clear that his journey in the NHL is just beginning, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this promising player.
