2025 Top 25 Under 25: Gwyneth Philips (3)
Slotted at three, Philips has the poise and pedigree to become the backbone of both Ottawa and Team USA’s crease for years to come.
When Aerin Frankel graduated from Northeastern, many wondered who could possibly fill the void left behind. Enter Gwyneth Philips: not only did she fill it, she set an entirely new standard. Now, the 24-year-old goaltender has brought her dominance from college to the PWHL, showing she’s ready to help carry the torch for Team USA and Ottawa alike.
2024-25 Season
Philips began her professional career with the Ottawa Charge, appearing in 15 games in her rookie season. She posted a 2.11 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage, with two shutouts and an 8–5–1 record. Her calm, technically sound game gave Ottawa a reliable option in net when Emerance Maschmeyer got injured, and she quickly showed she could handle the pace of the PWHL.
Her biggest statement, however, came in the 2025 Walter Cup Playoffs. Philips was nearly unbeatable, posting a 1.23 GAA, .952 save percentage, and four shutouts in just eight games to backstop Ottawa to the Final and earn Playoff MVP honors.
Oh my god, Gwyneth Philips pic.twitter.com/0jp24Cqwpj
— Hailey Salvian (@hailey_salvian) May 26, 2025
She also excelled on the international stage at the 2025 Women’s World Championship, where she went undefeated (3–0–0) with a .968 save percentage, 0.49 GAA, and one shutout, stopping 30 of 31 shots to help Team USA win gold.
Past and Future
Philips’ rise has been steady but spectacular. After years in the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite system, she arrived at Northeastern in 2019 and gradually earned more playing time behind Frankel. Once she took over the starter’s role in 2022–23, she immediately dominated, going 34–3–1 with a .960 save percentage and 10 shutouts. Her fifth season was just as strong: 23–11–3 with a .955 save percentage, six shutouts, and the captain’s “A” on her jersey.
Her technique is as sharp as her reflexes. Philips combines excellent angles with explosive lateral movement, giving her the tools to thrive at both the NCAA and international levels. With Ottawa, she had the chance to learn from one of the best in Maschmeyer while gradually stepping into a bigger role. For Team USA, her 2025 Worlds performance suggests she’s already ready to push for the No. 1 job.
Ranking
Philips makes a massive leap this year, climbing to No. 3 after debuting at No. 17 in 2024. The rise is well deserved: she’s already shown she can dominate internationally and hold her own in the PWHL. For now, she’s firmly labeled as one of the best young goaltenders in the world, and perhaps the heir apparent to Frankel’s throne.
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