Chris Phillips
View on WikipediaChris Phillips (born March 9, 1978) is a Canadian businessman and former professional ice hockey player. Phillips was a member of the Ottawa Senators for his entire NHL career, which began with the 1997–98 season and ended with the 2015–16 season.[1] He was regarded as a stay-at-home defenceman. The Senators drafted him first overall in the 1996 NHL entry draft.[1] Phillips retired in 2016 after spending a season on the injured list. Phillips played 1,179 games with Ottawa in the regular season, making him the longest-serving player in Senators franchise history. In addition, he played in 114 playoff games. His number was retired by the team in 2019.
Key Information
Phillips worked in community and business development for the Senators from 2015 to 2021, when he resigned as the executive director of the Senators Community Foundation after a dispute with owner Eugene Melnyk. After Melnyk's death, he rejoined the organization in September 2022 as the Vice President of Community and Business Development.
Playing career
[edit]Fort McMurray Oil Barons
[edit]Phillips was raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta.[2] He began his junior career with the Junior A Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in 1993–94, where he had six goals and 22 points in 56 games.[1] In 10 playoff games, Phillips had three assists. He returned to the Oil Barons for the 1994–95 season, in which he saw his offensive production increase to 16 goals and 48 points in 48 games. In 11 post-season games, Phillips had four goals and six points. Phillips also participated in the 1995 Canada Winter Games where he was the captain of the Alberta team.[3]
Prince Albert Raiders
[edit]Phillips joined the Major Junior Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL for the 1995-96 season, where he registered 10 goals and 30 assists in 61 games as a rookie with the Raiders. Phillips helped the Raiders to the Conference Finals, with 2 goals and 12 assists in 18 games. After the season, Phillips won the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy and was drafted first overall in the 1996 NHL entry draft by the Ottawa Senators.[1][4]
The Senators reassigned Phillips to the Raiders for the 1996-97. In 32 games back with the Raiders, he tallied three goals and 26 points. Prince Albert traded Phillips to the Lethbridge Hurricanes midway through the season.
Lethbridge Hurricanes
[edit]Phillips finished the 1996–97 season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, where he had four goals and 22 points in 26 games, helping the club finish in first place in the Central Division.
In the playoffs, Phillips finished second in team scoring with 25 points, with four goals and 21 assists, to help Lethbridge win the President's Cup, and earn a berth at the 1997 Memorial Cup held in Hull, Quebec.
In the Memorial Cup, Phillips had two goals and five points in five games, as the Hurricanes finished the tournament in second place, losing to the Hull Olympiques in the final.
Phillips was selected to the Memorial Cup all-star team, and won the 1996-97 Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the top defenseman in the WHL.[4][5]
Ottawa Senators
[edit]Phillips made his NHL debut in the 1997–98 season, when he appeared in 72 games with the Ottawa Senators, scoring five goals and 16 points, helping the club finish above .500 for the first time in team history. In 11 playoff games, Phillips had two assists, as Ottawa upset the New Jersey Devils in the first round, before falling to the Washington Capitals in the second round of the 1998 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Phillips missed 48 games in the 1998-99, as he scored three goals and six points in 34 games with the Senators, before going pointless in three playoff games.[1]
He saw his point total increase during the 1999–2000 season, as Phillips had five goals and 19 points in 65 games. In six playoff games, Phillips had an assist.[1]
Phillips had another solid season with the club in 2000–01, appearing in 73 games, scoring two goals and 14 points, however, he suffered a late-season injury, in which he appeared in only one playoff game with the Senators.[1] In that game, he scored his first ever playoff goal against Curtis Joseph of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He remained a big part of the Senators blueline in 2001–02, as Phillips scored six goals and 22 points in 63 games. In 12 playoff games, Phillips did not register a point.[1]
In 2002–03, Phillips helped the Senators win the Presidents' Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the best regular season record in the NHL.[1][6] In 78 games, Phillips had three goals and 19 points.[1] In the post-season, Phillips had a memorable goal for the Senators, as in game six of the Eastern Conference finals against the New Jersey Devils, Phillips scored the overtime winner, as Ottawa fought off elimination. The Senators lost the seventh game, but Phillips had a very successful playoff run, scoring two goals and six points in 18 games.
Phillips appeared in all 82 games for the first time of his career in 2003–04, as he scored seven goals and 23 points for the Senators.[1] In the playoffs, Phillips once again had some overtime magic, as he scored the winning goal in the fourth game of the Senators first round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto ended up winning the series in seven games, and that goal was Phillips only point of the series.
During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Phillips signed with Brynäs IF of the SEL, where he had five goals and eight points in 27 games. In nine playoff games, Phillips had a goal and three points.
In 2005–06, he returned to the Senators, where Phillips had a goal and 19 points in 68 games.[1] On December 26, 2005, Phillips played in his 500th career game. In nine playoff games, Phillips had two goals.[1]
Phillips had his best offensive season of his career in 2006-07, as he had eight goals and 26 points as he played in all 82 games.[1] Phillips had a +36 rating, which ranked him among the top of the NHL leaderboard. Prior to the season, the Senators named Phillips as an alternate captain. In the playoffs, Phillips played over 23 minutes a game, shutting down the top offensive players of the Senators opponents, as he helped the team reach the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, where the Senators lost in five games to the Anaheim Ducks.[7] In 20 playoff games, Phillips had no points, and in the deciding Game 5 of the Finals, Phillips ended up scoring what turned out to be the cup-winning goal for Anaheim into his own net.[1]
In 2007-08, Phillips had five goals and 18 points in 81 games, however, the Senators playoff run was short, as they were swept in the first round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, as Phillips was held pointless in four games.[1]
The 2008–09 season saw the Senators struggle, as the team failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1996. Phillips had another solid season, scoring six goals and 22 points in 82 games, however, he had a -14 rating, making it the first time since the 1998-99 season that Phillips was a minus player.[1]
In 2009–10, the Senators returned to the playoffs, and Phillips played a key role, as he tied his career high of eight goals and had 24 points, the second highest point total of his career, and he played in all 82 games for the second season in a row.[1] In six playoff games, Phillips had no points.[1]
Phillips had a poor 2010–11 season, as he scored only a goal and nine points, his lowest point total since 1998–99, and had a -35 rating, as Ottawa struggled and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.[1]
Phillips went on to have a much better season in 2011–12 with the Senators. He finished the season with 5 goals and 19 points with a plus-minus of +12 during 80 games played.[1] His elevated play helped the Senator's back into the Stanley Cup playoffs, though they lost in 7 games to the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference quarter finals.
During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Phillips acted as the Senators' NHLPA team representative and was close to the negotiations. He was critical of how the NHL presented their definition of hockey related revenue (HRR), a major issue in the ongoing labour dispute. "Basically, they changed the definition, where there would be no accountability in terms of HRR accounting, so they could basically give us whatever number they wanted to", Phillips was quoted as saying. Other players such as Josh Gorges and Brian Gionta shared Phillips' view. Phillips accused the NHL of "dirty tricks" which were hindering negotiations.[8]
On March 5, 2014, Phillips signed a two-year contract extension worth $2.5 million with the Ottawa Senators.[9]
On February 5, 2015, Phillips played in his 1,179th career game as a member of the Ottawa Senators. This marked a new franchise record, previously held by former team captain Daniel Alfredsson, for most games played for the club.[10]
In the summer of 2015, while attempting to return to hockey, Phillips suffered a crack in a disc in his back, rendering him unable to participate in the Ottawa Senators training camp.[11] He subsequently missed the entire 2015–16 season, and announced his retirement on May 26, 2016.[9] His 1293 regular season and playoff games with the club makes him the longest serving player in franchise history.[9] On October 5, 2019, the Senators announced that Phillips would have his jersey number (#4) retired by the team on February 18 of the upcoming season. He is the second player to have their jersey retired by the franchise, the other being Daniel Alfredsson.[12]
International play
[edit]Phillips played for Team Canada at the 1996 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships held in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was held pointless in six games, as Canada won the gold medal. He returned to the tournament in 1997, held in Geneva, Switzerland, where Phillips had an assist in seven games, helping Canada win the gold medal once again. He was named to the 1997 tournament all-star team.
Phillips played for the Canadians at the 2000 IIHF World Championship held in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he had no points in nine games, as Canada finished in fourth place. He returned for the Canadian team at the 2005 IIHF World Championship held in Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria, where the Canadians finished with a silver medal. In nine games, Phillips had an assist. Phillips represented Canada again at the 2009 IIHF World Championship held in Bern and Kloten, Switzerland, recording three assists in nine games as Canada won the silver medal. On November 11 playing with the Stitts Vegas selects on an overseas trip to Sweden, Phillips recorded 1 goal and 3 assists in his first international play in almost a decade.
Other ventures and post-retirement career
[edit]In 2012, Phillips became a co-owner of Big Rig, a microbrewery business named after his on-ice nickname.[13] In 2014, it opened a second location and a new production facility.[14] Its Big Rig Black IPA won the a gold medal at the 2014 Ontario Brewing Awards as well as the gold medal at the 2014 Canadian Brewing Awards.[15] In 2019, the Big Rig business was purchased by Foodtastic, a Quebec restaurant chain,[16] and Phillips sold his share by the end of the year.[17]
After his retirement in May 2016, Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said that Phillips would have a role in the team organization working on community development, businesses development, and relations with alumni.[9] Phillips served as a director of community and business development for five years, before being appointed the first executive director of the Senators Community Foundation in August 2020. The Senators Community Foundation was established to replace the role of the Ottawa Senators Foundation, which had ended its longstanding relationship with the team in July 2020.[17][18] In July 2021, Phillips resigned as executive director of the Senators Community Foundation after a disagreement with owner Eugene Melnyk. In September 2022, after Melnyk's death, Phillips rejoined the organization as its Vice President of Business Operations, a role in which he would have to repair strained relationships with Ottawa businesses from the Melnyk era.[19]
Phillips has also served as an assistant coach for the Kanata Lasers when his son was on the team.[17]
Personal life
[edit]Phillips and his wife Erin live in Ottawa and have three children.[13] He is the nephew of retired Edmonton Oilers radio broadcaster Rod Phillips.[20]
In September 2012, it was revealed that Phillips was initiating a $7.5-million lawsuit against his former agent, Stacey McAlpine, to recover lost money as a result of bad real estate deals.[21] The suit, launched at the Ontario court in Ottawa, alleges that Phillips was misled by McAlpine and hasn't been able to recover monies invested or access more than $5.5 million of his money being handled by McAlpine. The suit came one month after Phillips' former Ottawa teammate Dany Heatley initiated similar legal proceedings against McAlpine.
Career statistics
[edit]Regular season and playoffs
[edit]| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1993–94 | Fort McMurray Oil Barons | AJHL | 56 | 6 | 12 | 22 | 72 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 16 | ||
| 1994–95 | Fort McMurray Oil Barons | AJHL | 48 | 16 | 32 | 48 | 127 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 10 | ||
| 1995–96 | Prince Albert Raiders | WHL | 61 | 10 | 30 | 40 | 97 | 18 | 2 | 12 | 14 | 30 | ||
| 1996–97 | Prince Albert Raiders | WHL | 32 | 3 | 23 | 26 | 58 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1996–97 | Lethbridge Hurricanes | WHL | 26 | 4 | 18 | 22 | 28 | 19 | 4 | 21 | 25 | 20 | ||
| 1997–98 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 72 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 38 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1998–99 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 34 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 32 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1999–00 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 65 | 5 | 14 | 19 | 41 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||
| 2000–01 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 73 | 2 | 12 | 14 | 49 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2001–02 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 63 | 6 | 16 | 22 | 29 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | ||
| 2002–03 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 78 | 3 | 16 | 19 | 71 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 12 | ||
| 2003–04 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 82 | 7 | 16 | 23 | 46 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 | ||
| 2004–05 | Brynäs IF | SEL | 27 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 45 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2005–06 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 69 | 1 | 18 | 19 | 90 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | ||
| 2006–07 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 82 | 8 | 18 | 26 | 80 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | ||
| 2007–08 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 81 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 56 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | ||
| 2008–09 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 82 | 6 | 16 | 22 | 66 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2009–10 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 82 | 8 | 16 | 24 | 45 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | ||
| 2010–11 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 82 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 32 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2011–12 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 80 | 5 | 14 | 19 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||
| 2012–13 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 48 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 43 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 21 | ||
| 2013–14 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 70 | 1 | 14 | 15 | 30 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2014–15 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 36 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 1,179 | 71 | 217 | 288 | 758 | 114 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 105 | ||||
International
[edit]| Year | Team | Event | Result | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Canada | WJC | 
|
6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1997 | Canada | WJC |
|
7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |
| 2000 | Canada | WC | 4th | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2005 | Canada | WC | 
|
9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | |
| 2009 | Canada | WC |
|
9 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 12 | |
| Junior totals | 13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||
| Senior totals | 27 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 22 | ||||
Awards
[edit]- Top Draft Prospect - 1996
- Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year) - 1996
- Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (Top Defenceman) - 1997
- East First All-Star Team - 1997
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Chris Phillips". Capital Sports and Entertainment, Inc. and the National Hockey League. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ "Senators Vote For Defense". Chicago Tribune. 23 June 1996. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ "Chris Phillips". hockeydraft.ca. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ a b "Chris Phillips". Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ "Chris Phillips". Elite Hockey Prospects. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ "Presidents' Trophy". Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ "Ducks win first Stanley Cup in franchise history". STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ PHILLIPS, GORGES CRITICAL OF LEAGUE'S HRR ACCOUNTING https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=412797
- ^ a b c d "Ottawa Senators defenceman Chris Phillips announces his retirement from NHL". CBC News. May 26, 2016. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
- ^ Stevenson, Chris (February 5, 2015). "Senators' Phillips cherishing games-played milestone". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
- ^ "Sens' Chris Phillips suffers back injury | Ottawa Sun".
- ^ Srinivasan, Arun (October 6, 2019). "Senators to retire Chris Phillips' No. 4 in February". Yahoo!. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
- ^ a b Eade, Ron (June 10, 2012). "Brewing up a new pub". www.ottawacitizen.com. Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 2016-05-26.
- ^ Brennan, Don (September 9, 2014). "Ottawa Senators' Neil raises the bar". Ottawa Sun. Retrieved 2016-05-26.
- ^ Pilieci, Vito (2014-08-20). "Big Rig undergoing big expansion as demand for beer skyrockets". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 2016-05-26.
- ^ Sali, David (June 10, 2019). "Quebec restaurant chain Foodtastic acquires Ottawa's Big Rig Brewery". Ottawa Business Journal. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- ^ a b c Warren, Ken (February 15, 2020). "Chris Phillips is happily living a dream family life after retiring from the NHL". Ottawa Sun. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
- ^ OBJ staff (August 12, 2020). "Former Sens stalwart Phillips to lead team's new community foundation". Ottawa Business Journal. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
- ^ Warren, Ken (September 7, 2022). "Chris Phillips steps back into the picture as Senators repair corporate relationships". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- ^ "Bring Stanley home". Western Standard. Archived from the original on 2011-05-27. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
- ^ "Sens' Phillips joins Heatley, sues ex-agent". sportsnet.ca. September 13, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or ESPN.com, or Eurohockey.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
Chris Phillips
View on GrokipediaEarly life and junior career
Early years
Chris Phillips was born on March 9, 1978, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.[6] He was raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, a remote oil town in northern Alberta where his family settled shortly after his birth.[7] His father, Garth Phillips, worked as a heavy equipment operator in the local oil industry, while his mother, Carol, managed the household amid significant family health challenges; Carol was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which left her wheelchair-bound by the time Chris was 10, and Garth later suffered from diabetes that resulted in blindness and leg amputations.[8] These circumstances instilled in Phillips a strong sense of responsibility from a young age, as he often helped care for his parents alongside his sister, Jennifer.[8] Phillips' introduction to hockey came early, influenced heavily by his father's passion for the sport. At the age of three, he first put on skates on a backyard rink that Garth had constructed in their Fort McMurray home, marking the beginning of his lifelong connection to the ice.[9] Garth also served as his initial coach, guiding him through the fundamentals during informal practices and local games. Phillips balanced hockey with other activities, spending summers playing baseball in community leagues, which complemented his winter focus on ice sports and helped build his athletic foundation.[10] In Fort McMurray's minor hockey associations, Phillips honed his skills as a defenseman, leveraging his natural size and physicality—qualities that were evident even in his youth—to excel in defensive roles against older opponents. This period of development in the isolated northern community shaped his resilient playing style and work ethic before he reached junior eligibility.[8]Fort McMurray Oil Barons
At the age of 15, Chris Phillips joined the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for the 1993–94 season, marking his debut in organized junior hockey.[2] Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing around 200 pounds, Phillips quickly established himself as a promising defenseman known for his physical presence and defensive reliability on the blue line.[3] In his rookie campaign, he appeared in 56 games, recording 6 goals and 16 assists for 22 points, along with 72 penalty minutes, demonstrating solid two-way play for a teenager transitioning to Junior A competition.[11] The Oil Barons enjoyed a strong regular season in 1993–94, finishing third in the AJHL standings with a 29–22–5 record and 63 points, securing a spot in the playoffs.[12] Phillips contributed to the team's postseason run, which culminated in the AJHL final, where Fort McMurray fell to the Olds Grizzlys in six games (4–2 series).[13] His size and shot-blocking ability drew early notice from scouts, highlighting his potential as a shutdown defender capable of handling top opponents.[2] Returning for the 1994–95 season, Phillips improved markedly, suiting up for 48 games and tallying 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points, while accumulating 127 penalty minutes.[14] The Oil Barons again posted a competitive record, placing third in the league with 31 wins in 56 games.[15] In the playoffs, Fort McMurray advanced past the Calgary Royals in five games (4–1) before bowing out in the semifinals to the Calgary Canucks in a hard-fought seven-game series (4–3).[13] Phillips' development during this tenure underscored his growing offensive contributions alongside his established defensive prowess.[2]Prince Albert Raiders
Following his successful stint with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, which served as a foundational experience, Chris Phillips transitioned to the Western Hockey League (WHL) by joining the Prince Albert Raiders for the 1995–96 season, the team that had selected him fifth overall in the 1993 WHL bantam draft.[2] As an 17-year-old rookie defenseman, Phillips quickly adapted to the higher level of competition, showcasing his physical presence and two-way play. In 61 regular-season games, he recorded 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points, along with 97 penalty minutes, demonstrating both offensive capability and defensive reliability on a Raiders team that finished second in the Eastern Conference with a 47–19–6 record and 100 points.[3] Phillips' performance earned him the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL's Rookie of the Year, recognizing him as the top first-year player in the league, and he was also named to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) All-Rookie Team.[16] His contributions were particularly evident in the playoffs, where the Raiders mounted a strong run through the Eastern Conference. Phillips tallied 2 goals and 12 assists for 14 points in 18 postseason games, helping anchor the defense as Prince Albert defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers 4–1 in the first round and the Regina Pats 4–3 in the division semifinals before falling 2–4 to the Brandon Wheat Kings in the division finals.[3] During this rookie campaign, Phillips began to exhibit emerging leadership qualities on the blue line, often logging heavy minutes and contributing to the team's transition game while mentoring younger players amid the intense WHL environment. His steady presence helped stabilize the Raiders' defense, allowing the team to outscore opponents by 59 goals overall in the regular season and advance deep into the playoffs.[17]Lethbridge Hurricanes
Midway through the 1996–97 Western Hockey League (WHL) season, Phillips was traded from the Prince Albert Raiders to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.[18] In 26 regular-season games with Lethbridge, he recorded 4 goals and 18 assists for 22 points, contributing to the team's first-place finish in the Eastern Conference.[19] His performance highlighted his growing reputation as a top defensive prospect entering his final junior year. In the playoffs, Phillips excelled, tallying 4 goals and 21 assists for 25 points in 19 games as the Hurricanes advanced to the WHL final, where they defeated the Portland Winter Hawks to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup.[19] At the 1997 Memorial Cup, Lethbridge reached the championship game but lost to the Hull Olympiques; Phillips contributed 2 goals and 3 assists in 5 games, earning selection to the tournament all-star team.[20] For his outstanding season, he received the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as the WHL's top defenseman.[21] Phillips' dominant play throughout his junior career, including his 1996–97 achievements, had positioned him as the consensus top prospect, culminating in his selection as the first overall pick by the Ottawa Senators in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.[1]Professional career
Ottawa Senators
Chris Phillips made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators during the 1997–98 season at the age of 19, appearing in his first game on October 1, 1997, against the Montreal Canadiens after earning a spot out of training camp.[1] In his rookie year, he played 72 games, recording 5 goals and 11 assists for 16 points while contributing to the team's defensive structure.[6] Phillips quickly established himself as a reliable stay-at-home defenseman, known for his physical play and shot-blocking ability, which became hallmarks of his 18-season tenure with the organization.[1] Over his career, Phillips appeared in 1,179 regular-season games for the Senators—the most in franchise history—accumulating 71 goals, 217 assists, and a +68 plus/minus rating, all while never being traded and embodying team loyalty.[22] His progression from a top draft pick to a cornerstone player highlighted his durability and consistency, often logging heavy minutes on the third pairing or penalty kill.[6] A notable season came in 2006–07, when he achieved career highs of 8 goals, 18 assists, 26 points, and a +36 rating, earning consideration for the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman.[1] Phillips played a key role in the Senators' run to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, appearing in 20 playoff games that postseason with no points but averaging 23:11 of ice time per game on a shutdown pairing.[1] Across 114 career playoff games, he tallied 15 points (6 goals and 9 assists), focusing on defensive responsibilities during Ottawa's postseason pushes.[1] In recognition of his contributions, the Senators retired his No. 4 jersey in a ceremony on February 18, 2020, making it the fourth number honored by the franchise.[23][24] Throughout his career, Phillips served as an alternate captain starting in the 2006–07 season following Zdeno Chara's departure, providing steady leadership in the locker room and on the ice.[25] He faced several injuries, including a knee ligament sprain in 2006 that sidelined him for weeks and a concussion in 2012, yet demonstrated resilience by returning to form and mentoring younger players.[26][27] His unwavering commitment to the Senators, spanning from debut to his final seasons, solidified his status as a franchise pillar.[28]Retirement
On May 26, 2016, Chris Phillips announced his retirement from professional hockey after 18 seasons with the Ottawa Senators, the only NHL team he ever played for.[29][30] At age 38, Phillips cited the cumulative toll of his long career, particularly ongoing back injuries that prevented a full recovery, as the primary reasons for stepping away. He had undergone surgery in April 2015 to repair a bulging disc but suffered a cracked vertebra during rehabilitation the following September, sidelining him for the entire 2015-16 season and ultimately ending his playing days.[29][30][31] The announcement was marked by an emotional farewell press conference at the Canadian Tire Centre, where Phillips reflected on his career legacy as a reliable, team-first defenceman who prioritized winning over personal stats. He expressed gratitude to the passionate Ottawa fans who supported him through parades, chance encounters, and unwavering loyalty, stating it made him proud to wear the Senators jersey. Teammates, coaches, and owner Eugene Melnyk also praised his leadership and contributions, underscoring his indelible impact on the franchise after appearing in a Senators-record 1,179 regular-season games.[31][29] Looking ahead, Phillips indicated plans to transition into roles focused on family, community involvement, and organizational support with the Senators, allowing him to remain connected to the game while prioritizing his health and personal life.[30][31]International career
World Junior Championships
Chris Phillips represented Canada as a defenseman at the 1996 IIHF World Under-20 Championship in Boston, Massachusetts, where he played a key role in the team's defensive strategy during their gold medal victory, extending Canada's streak to four consecutive titles.[32] In six games, Phillips recorded no points and no penalty minutes, focusing on shutdown duties against top opponents.[3] His selection to the elite junior roster at age 17 highlighted his poise and physicality, contributing to Canada's undefeated run through the tournament.[33] Returning for the 1997 tournament in Switzerland, Phillips helped Canada secure a repeat gold medal, defeating the United States 3-1 in the final to claim back-to-back championships.[1] Over seven games, he tallied one assist and four penalty minutes, again emphasizing his defensive reliability on a squad featuring future NHL stars.[3] Phillips' performances in both tournaments solidified his reputation as a top junior defenseman, boosting his visibility ahead of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft where he was selected first overall by the Ottawa Senators.[2]IIHF World Championships
Chris Phillips represented Canada at the IIHF World Championships three times during his career, selected each time during NHL offseasons for his reliable defensive presence on the national team's blue line.[34][28] In his senior debut at the 2000 tournament in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Phillips appeared in all nine games for Canada, registering no points with 2 penalty minutes and a +4 plus-minus rating, contributing to a fourth-place finish after a 3-2 bronze medal loss to Finland.[35] Phillips returned for the 2005 IIHF World Championship in Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria, where he played all nine games, recording 1 assist, 8 penalty minutes, and a +1 plus-minus while anchoring the defense alongside players like Wade Redden and Sheldon Souray.[36][37] Canada earned silver, falling 3-0 to the Czech Republic in the final despite strong showings in key matches, including a 2-1 quarterfinal win over the United States. At the 2009 tournament in Bern and Kloten, Switzerland, Phillips again featured in all nine games, tallying 3 assists, 12 penalty minutes, and a +5 plus-minus, providing steady defensive support on a roster that included Drew Doughty and Shea Weber.[38] Canada captured another silver medal, losing 2-1 in overtime to Russia in the final after victories like a 7-3 semifinal win over Sweden.| Year | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +4 | 4th |
| 2005 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | +1 | Silver |
| 2009 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 12 | +5 | Silver |
Post-retirement activities
Business ventures
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2016, Chris Phillips continued to build on his earlier entrepreneurial efforts in the craft beer and hospitality sector. Phillips co-founded Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery in Ottawa's Nepean neighborhood in 2012, alongside partners including Angelis Koutsos and Lon Ladell, investing significantly in the venture as a way to establish a community-oriented business tied to his "Big Rig" nickname earned during his NHL career. The establishment combined a microbrewery with a full-service restaurant, emphasizing locally brewed craft beers and hearty comfort foods such as burgers, pizzas, and pub-style dishes designed to appeal to families and sports fans.[39][40] The business quickly expanded operations, expanding with a larger production brewery in Kanata in 2014, opening a second restaurant location in East Ottawa in 2015, and developing distribution channels that reached as far as Newfoundland and Labrador.[40][41] Big Rig's beer lineup featured standout varieties like the Alpha Bomb IPA and Big Rig Black IPA, with the latter earning a gold medal at the 2014 Ontario Brewing Awards for its bold flavor profile. Phillips highlighted the operational challenges of scaling production to meet demand, noting the importance of teamwork in navigating the competitive craft brewing industry, where collaboration with staff and partners was key to success. By focusing on quality ingredients and community engagement, the venture grew to employ dozens across its sites, fostering a loyal customer base in Ottawa.[40][5] In 2019, Phillips and his partners sold Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery to Montreal-based Foodtastic Inc., a major franchising company, for an undisclosed amount, allowing the brand to pursue further expansion including new locations in the Greater Toronto Area. Reflecting on the experience, Phillips described it as a valuable lesson in entrepreneurship, emphasizing how the hands-on role taught him to learn from team members and adapt in a fast-paced environment, skills he carried forward from his athletic background. While no other major personal investments or advisory roles outside of hockey have been publicly detailed, the Big Rig venture remains a cornerstone of Phillips' post-retirement business legacy.[40][5]Ottawa Senators roles
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2016, Chris Phillips joined the Ottawa Senators organization in a front-office capacity focused on community programs, alumni relations, and business development, serving as a community ambassador until 2021.[29] In this role, he represented the team at various public appearances and initiatives to strengthen ties with fans and the local community.[42] In August 2020, Phillips was appointed executive director of the newly established Senators Community Foundation, tasked with leading its charitable efforts amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rebuilding franchise.[43] He oversaw the foundation's launch and initial programs until June 2021, when he resigned amid reported tensions with team ownership under Eugene Melnyk, including disputes over operational direction.[44][45] Phillips rejoined the Senators in September 2022, shortly after Melnyk's death in March of that year, which led to a new ownership group under Michael Andlauer and significant organizational restructuring.[46] He was named vice president of business operations in September 2022, a role he continues to hold as of 2024.[46][47] In this capacity, Phillips has contributed to fan engagement through participation in team events, such as the 2025 World Junior Championships hosted in Ottawa, and efforts to rebuild corporate partnerships strained during the prior regime.[48] His work has supported the franchise's post-Melnyk transition, including the relaunch of community initiatives and enhanced business stability.[49]Philanthropy and honors
Following his retirement from professional hockey, Chris Phillips has maintained ongoing support for the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation, contributing to its initiatives that promote youth development and recreation programs in Ottawa and surrounding areas. His efforts have included backing organizations such as the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club (now Ottawa BGC), which provides accessible sports and educational opportunities for underprivileged children, helping to remove barriers to physical activity and community engagement. Phillips also founded the Chris Phillips Community Foundation, which supports children's health and community development initiatives in Ottawa.[5][47][1] In recognition of his contributions to sports and the community, Phillips was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, honoring his long-standing impact both on and off the ice.[50] He has since remained active in the hall's events, serving as the keynote speaker at the 2023 induction ceremony, where he shared insights on perseverance and community involvement drawn from his career.[51] Phillips also delivered a keynote address at the 19th Annual Special Olympics Festival Breakfast in October 2025, hosted by Special Olympics Ontario, emphasizing the transformative power of sports participation.[52] Further accolades include an honorary degree from Algonquin College's School of Health Studies, conferred on June 19, 2024, in acknowledgment of his philanthropic work supporting health, education, and youth recreation.[47] In June 2025, Phillips appeared at the Ottawa Senators Alumni Foundation's Charity Golf Tournament, an event benefiting the Sens Foundation's community programs, where he reiterated his philosophy of prioritizing the "journey over medals" in personal growth and giving back.[53] His role as Vice President of Business Operations with the Senators has served as a platform to amplify these philanthropic endeavors.[47]Personal life
Phillips has been married to Erin Phillips, an Ottawa native, since 2003. They have three children: Ben, Zoë, and Niomi. The family resides in Ottawa.[42]Career statistics and awards
NHL regular season and playoffs
Chris Phillips spent his entire 18-season NHL career with the Ottawa Senators, demonstrating remarkable longevity by playing in 1,179 regular-season games from 1997 to 2016.[6]Regular Season Statistics
| Season | Age | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–98 | 19 | 72 | 5 | 11 | 16 | +2 |
| 1998–99 | 20 | 34 | 3 | 3 | 6 | –5 |
| 1999–00 | 21 | 65 | 5 | 14 | 19 | +12 |
| 2000–01 | 22 | 73 | 2 | 12 | 14 | +8 |
| 2001–02 | 23 | 63 | 6 | 16 | 22 | +5 |
| 2002–03 | 24 | 78 | 3 | 16 | 19 | +7 |
| 2003–04 | 25 | 82 | 7 | 16 | 23 | +15 |
| 2005–06 | 27 | 69 | 1 | 18 | 19 | +19 |
| 2006–07 | 28 | 82 | 8 | 18 | 26 | +36 |
| 2007–08 | 29 | 81 | 5 | 13 | 18 | +15 |
| 2008–09 | 30 | 82 | 6 | 16 | 22 | –14 |
| 2009–10 | 31 | 82 | 8 | 16 | 24 | +8 |
| 2010–11 | 32 | 82 | 1 | 8 | 9 | –35 |
| 2011–12 | 33 | 80 | 5 | 14 | 19 | +12 |
| 2012–13 | 34 | 48 | 5 | 9 | 14 | –5 |
| 2013–14 | 35 | 70 | 1 | 14 | 15 | –12 |
| 2014–15 | 36 | 36 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Career | 1,179 | 71 | 217 | 288 | +68 |
Playoff Statistics
| Postseason Appearances | GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 (1997–2015) | 114 | 6 | 9 | 15 |
International statistics
Chris Phillips represented Canada in multiple international tournaments, accumulating statistics primarily as a defenseman focused on defensive reliability rather than offensive production. His international career spanned the World Junior Championships and IIHF World Championships, where he contributed to medal-winning teams while logging significant ice time in key defensive roles.[3] In the 1996 IIHF World U20 Championship, Phillips appeared in 6 games for the gold medal-winning Canadian team, recording 0 goals and 0 assists for 0 points, with 0 penalty minutes.[3][54] During the 1997 IIHF World U20 Championship, also resulting in gold for Canada, Phillips played 7 games, tallying 0 goals and 1 assist for 1 point, along with 4 penalty minutes. His contributions helped secure the tournament victory, emphasizing his role in a shutdown defensive pairing.[3][55] At the 2000 IIHF World Championship in Russia, where Canada finished fourth, Phillips skated in 9 games, posting 0 goals and 0 assists for 0 points, 2 penalty minutes, and a +4 plus-minus rating.[35] At the 2005 IIHF World Championship in Austria, where Canada earned silver, Phillips skated in 9 games, posting 0 goals and 1 assist for 1 point, 8 penalty minutes, and a +1 plus-minus rating, showcasing his steady defensive presence.[36][56] Phillips returned for the 2009 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, again securing silver for Canada, with 9 games played, 0 goals and 3 assists for 3 points, 12 penalty minutes, and a +5 plus-minus rating that highlighted his positive impact on the team's defensive structure.[38]| Tournament | Year | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World U20 | 1996 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| World U20 | 1997 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| World Championship | 2000 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +4 |
| World Championship | 2005 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | +1 |
| World Championship | 2009 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 12 | +5 |
| Career Totals | - | 40 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 26 | +10 |