From Chatham To Waterloo, Philips Is Turning Heads

Brock Philips is a towering defenseman on one of Ontario’s top ‘AAA’ hockey teams, the Waterloo Wolves, and based on his performance this season, he’s starting to turn heads. Despite the fact he now plays hours down the 401, Philips started his hockey career in Chatham before moving in 2006 at the age of 8.

“Brock is an honest, hard working player that gives you everything he’s got every game, practice and workout off ice,” says Waterloo Wolves Minor Midget head coach Shawn Dietrich of the 6’4″ defenseman. “Through the year he has steadily improved with hockey sense, foot speed and strength. Brock in my opinion is the most improved defenseman in the Alliance and one day will play at the next level.”

Currently living in Fergus, Ontario, Philips left Chatham when his father was offered a job with the Guelph Fire Department. Until then, he attended John N. Given Public School and played Timbits hockey, and with the Chatham Maroons Select 7 team, with whom several current Chatham-Kent Cyclones Minor Midget ‘AAA’ players also skated.

Although he doesn’t produce huge numbers offensively, Philips is considered a top prospect for the coming OHL draft because of his size, and physical presence on the ice.

“Brock is a physical shutdown defenseman that is great on the penalty kill and plays teams top lines,” explained Dietrich. “He has a great release from the point and makes a great first pass. Very tough player to play against,” added Dietrich of Philips, who had 3 goals and 10 assists, along with 106 penalty minutes in 61 games with the Wolves this season.

With the Waterloo Wolves favoured to advance to the OHL Cup from the Alliance Hockey, Philips has been drawing the eye of many scouts this season.

“Brock Philips could be the most improved player in the Alliance this year,” Tweeted Director of Scouting for TheScout.ca, Sean Lafortune. “Still room to grow, but footwork and agility have come a long way.”

The only thing standing in Philips’ way for an Alliance championship, could be his former Chatham teammates, as the Cyclones are currently battling the Kitchener Jr. Rangers in the other Alliance semi-final for a chance to play for he Alliance championship.