c/o Gwyneth Philips
We are wrapping up our series of "Summer Tales" with an epic recap from the Ottawa Charge's Playoff MVP goalie, Gwyneth Philips, who we caught up with over email to learn about her offseason. Here's what we found out.
I spent most of my summer living in Ottawa. Getting to know the city in the summer has been really fun. A lot of what makes Ottawa so cool really meshes with me and my interests. Tons of climbing, biking, hiking, all of that stuff, and super dog friendly, which Paris LOVES!! Even learned how to race over in Calabogie!
Did you go on vacation at all?
This summer has been extremely busy training for not only the PWHL season but the chance to go to the Olympics. That being the case, there wasn’t a ton of extravagant vacation time. However, I did spend about 23 or so days driving and camping across the US in a 12-foot camper. I would consider that whole trip to be my vacation of the summer. I boondocked nearly the entire time, which is free camping on public land with little to no facilities. Along the way I got to do some hikes that have been on my bucket list for years, namely Angels Landing & Half Dome! Unfortunately I lost my phone shortly after this trip, and with it several pictures from my amazing adventure :(. I do have this picture of the full set up with a slide-out kitchen hiding behind the back door!
Did you see any concerts?
Unfortunately not. This year was the first year in a while I didn’t get to go to Lollapalooza in Chicago. My brother and his fiancee live in Wrigleyville and it’s become a tradition to go each year, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to go. But I did sneak into a little area during the Green Day concert in Ottawa for a little to watch and listen (🤫)!
What was the best book you read this summer?
I’m a pretty avid reader so I’ve finished a few books this year, especially with all the PWHL travel and my camping trip. Honorable mention-I finished the "ACOTAR" series. I’ve never read fantasy so that was new to me, but I wanted to join the bandwagon. But my favorite this summer has to be "The Great Alone." I love Kristin Hannah.
Did you watch any good shoes or movies?
I watch an embarrassing amount of TV. I’m such an iPad kid it’s not even funny. I watched "Animal Kingdom" this year and that was good watch. I also enjoyed watching "Untamed" after leaving my camping trip which included Yosemite!
What’s your song of the summer?
I mostly just play the radio, I hate having to control my own music… but the only music I have downloaded on my phone this summer as been 1) Rock Workout Apple Music playlist & 2) the Green Day Essentials playlist. Take that as you will…
What and where was the best meal you ate?
I actually got a lot of teasing for this meal! While I was camping I posted it on TikTok or something and all you could see was a heaping serving of beans so everyone just thought I was eating a plate full of Bush's Beans. Which was crazy because I was actually eating an amazing cut of filet mignon with asparagus AND beans-all cooked to perfection out of my camper in the peace and quite of some random area in the Mojave Desert. So delish & so peaceful. I have a photo of where I had the meal, but I lost the photo of the gourmet dish itself :(.
TikTok @gwynethphilips / Via tiktok.com
How many days of the week have you been on the ice?
I took some major time off right when the season ended. That's when I went on my trip and in total I probably took nearly a full month or so off the ice. Enough for a full physical and mental reset. But now it varies, with USAH camps I'm on 5 or 6 times a week but in between those events, anywhere from 1 to 3 times. With this crazy summer, it's about trying to balance being prepared for those camps but being 100% for when November rolls around and the PWHL season begins!
If you could be guaranteed to improve one element of your game the offseason, what would it be?
One thing I’ve been really working on this off season is my off-ice strength. That's never been something I’ve put a ton of emphasis on to be completely honestly. But this summer I’ve really been trying to get stronger. With that kind of improvement I don’t think there will be any one noticeable change, but I’ll just be a tad bit faster and aggressive and be able to hold that longer and compete game after game during what is a long PWHL season.
The best thing about the 2025-26 Charge is going to be..
It’s got to be the fans!!! The way that this city embraces us is unmatched! It makes playing in Ottawa so special and we are all so honored to play for the Charge and in front of such electric fans at TD place.
Also shoutout to my brother for getting engaged this summer! His fiancee has already been in the family group chat for a while but it’s great to officially welcome her into the family.
