A Canmore hockey participant will get started the season as a Bakersfield Condor, however is most likely to get a call-up to the large membership.
EDMONTON – Before Noah Philp returned to the Edmonton Oilers preseason coaching camp, Google Alerts of the 26-year-old of Canmore’s identify doping up in inboxes have been few and some distance between. He had stepped clear of the sport in 2023 – many believing he had retired – and for somebody who hadn’t performed a unmarried recreation within the NHL, he fell out of the minds of the hockey international and Oilers enthusiasts all the way through the workforce’s Stanley Cup run within the playoffs.
In the offseason when Edmonton enthusiasts have been in search of one thing as opposed to a reminder of the Florida Panthers successful Lord Stanley, some buzz circulated when Philp re-signed with the Oilers on a two-way contract.
Then preseason began. Then Google Alerts emails with Philp’s identify began coming in. It began with a couple of emails right here and there, however briefly was many flooding into the inbox as increasingly other folks began speaking about Philp’s head-turning play.
“I was just having fun playing. I try not to worry about the spotlight too much,” mentioned Philp.
Philp, in conjunction with different Oilers hopefuls, have been in an excessively distinctive and high-quality state of affairs. With giant NHL contracts already given to the likes of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse, amongst others, there’s a actual want to have some team-friendly contracts within the lineup.
For a workforce this is all in on successful a Stanley Cup, its fourth line, particularly, has been one of the vital mentioned in contemporary reminiscence.
Being clear of intense play for a year-and-a-half, Philp simplest had a small time-frame to be spotted, particularly at the penalty kill and successful faceoffs, however he got here thru. At six-foot-three, the previous U of A Golden Bear’s pace and health have been as much as job and he scored one purpose and had an lend a hand in “some of the highest level games I have ever played before in the NHL preseason,” mentioned Philp.
“I really enjoy pushing myself and I thought when I get to play against long-time NHLers and you get to line up against them and go head-to-head, that’s a motivator for me, for sure,” Philp mentioned. “I feel really eager and comfortable in those situations just ‘cause it’s a great test and it’s a lot of fun to see where you can compete.”
Brother Luke Philp, who’s signed on a two-way contract with the Washington Capitals, wasn’t stunned that his more youthful bro made an impact after he “worked his ass off for quite a while.”
“I think it shows,” mentioned Luke. “It’s not easy to go into an NHL preseason game after not playing for 15 months or whatever it was, but if there was anyone who could do it, it was him.”
Although he gained’t be suiting for the large workforce on opening night time, Philp’s NHL debut is most probably a “when” and no longer an “if” state of affairs.
Somewhere between Montana and Idaho, Philp was once at the street to California on Tuesday morning (Oct. 8), the place he’ll catch up with his Condors teammates in Bakersfield.
Philp was once loaned to the Condors, the AHL associate of the Oilers, following preseason. The mortgage standing within the minors signifies that the Oilers control has taken a willing passion in Philp’s development.
Philp mentioned he wasn’t given a timeline or estimation on when he’ll be known as up. But for now, he’s glad to be again and playing the method.
“They just said, ‘Keep working and then you’ll determine if you can come back up,’ so that is a good motivator,” mentioned Philp.
“[…] Playing games is really when you figure yourself out … and that’s what the staff sees for me that will help and I agree.”
He had some nerves ahead of preseason, however the ones emotions briefly slipped away when he was once again within the locker room with the lads.
In the instant and seeking to determine issues out at the fly, Philp would chat to gamers reminiscent of Derek Ryan or Zach Hyman right here and there.
“I like picking the brain of older guys and just asking them little questions about specific scenarios, but not too much. For the most part, I was just trying to find my own game,” he mentioned.
Oilers head trainer Kris Knoblauch mentioned the Canmore ahead made a “positive impression” at coaching camp, mentioning Philp was once “on top of that list” of gamers in attention for a place at the NHL membership’s opening night time roster. Although the trainer desires Philp to play extra mins south of the border – for now.
“I think there’s still little details that are important for him, mostly just being able to touch the puck and feeling pressure and making the right play and I think he’s really close,” mentioned Knoblauch on Sunday (Oct. 6) in a media scrum.
“I’m sure we’re going to see him at some point this season, but I think it’s beneficial for him to go to Bakersfield and play a significant role there.”
During this comeback to skilled hockey, Philp constructed a program with Sam Jones, a pal and co-owner of Be A Pro, hockey coaching for elite gamers taking a look to head skilled. He additionally shared the ice with Oilers defenceman Brett Kulak, who has a house in Canmore.
Philp had someplace within the vary of six months to fine-tune his recreation and concentrate on the main points, which is uncommonly lengthy for gamers of his calibre.
“In terms of physicality, I felt pretty solid. I had a long time to train. I felt ready,” he mentioned.
Philp added that being clear of the sport additionally rejuvenated his on-ice flame.
“I’ve learned that over the past while, how to just enjoy yourself when you’re out there and be curious and have fun with it and that’s when I find I’m playing my best,” mentioned Philp. “I think a lot of players, as they grow older, they figure that out as well.”
The Condors season opener is Friday (Oct. 11) in opposition to the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
