Philips signs as the Coventry Blaze complete netminder line-up

Following three successful seasons competing in the second tier of American ice hockey, Jamie Philips has signed for the Coventry Blaze on a one-year contract. The imposing, 6’3” netminder will ice in Europe for the first time in his career with the Blaze after rounding-off an impressive spell in the United States with the Reading Royals.

A 2012 draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets, Philips looks set to feature as first choice netminder for the Blaze – ahead of the re-signed Jordan Hedley – in the upcoming EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League) season as Coventry seek to consolidate their place in the playoffs in 2019.

In addition to his time in Reading, Pennsylvania, Philips built his reputation in the ECHL

Philips ended the 2018/19 season in impressive form, finishing the season with a 92% save-to-goal ratio, conceding an average of just 2.31 goals per game in his twelve appearances for the Royals last season. In addition to his time in Reading, Pennsylvania, Philips built his reputation in the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) during stints with the Florida Everblades, Jacksonville IceMen, and Tusla Oilers. The Canadian netminder also iced for the Manitoba Goose 27 times in the AHL (American Hockey League) in 2016.

Philips starred for the Tulsa Oilers in his maiden professional campaign (2016/17) and was subsequently picked as first choice netminder in the 2017 ECHL All-Star game. In addition to his All-Star selection, Philips was awarded ‘ECHL Goaltender of the Month’ in October 2016, as he maintained a 91.3% save ratio in the AHL.

In an official club statement, the Coventry Blaze thanked DRP Logistics

Before entering professional hockey, Philips made a sizeable impact on the highest level of university sport in the United States for Michigan Tech. During his four years in Michigan, Philips was named a divisional First All-Star and ‘Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year’ in 2014/15. The Michigan Tech-graduate was also nominated for the Honey Baker and Mike Richter Awards, honours given to the best collegiate hockey player, and the NCAA’s best netminder respectively.

In an official club statement, the Coventry Blaze thanked DRP Logistics – a returning sponsor for 2019 – for “support[ing] the signing of Jamie Philips with a generous financial contribution.” Danny Stewart, Head Coach of the Blaze, announced his delight following the signing of Philips, telling the Club website that he “couldn’t be happier” with his new first-choice netminder. Stewart went on to praise Philips for being “a competitor and [a] true professional who will give [Coventry] a chance to win every night.”

Jamie is a fantastic goalie who has had success at every level he’s played

The Coventry Blaze have been “patient” in assembling their squad ahead of the 2019/20 season, according to Stewart, who commented that: “Jamie is a fantastic goalie who has had success at every level he’s played.” The announcement of Philips’ arrival will go a long way to alleviating some of the anxiety that had started to build among the Blaze faithful over the offseason, with some supporters concerned that Stewart’s side would enter the 2019/20 campaign with only one netminder signed to the roster. The Coventry Blaze, who snuck into the playoffs with just two games to spare last season, will be hopeful that Philips’ arrival will spell an end to netminding issues that have embroiled the Skydome club recently.

In a statement given on the Coventry Blaze website, Philips commented: “I’m excited to join Coventry. I spoke to a few current and former players and they all had great things to say about the club and the fan support. I can’t wait to get over in August and begin my career in Europe with the Blaze.”