Local Edmonton Oilers prospect retires from hockey

CANMORE – Edmonton Oilers prospect and Canmore’s Noah Philp is stepping away from hockey.

The 24-year-old centreman made a statement about his future in the sport last week, saying he is shifting his focus elsewhere.

“I want to start off by thanking the Edmonton Oilers and Bakersfield Condors. The treatment of players and overall atmosphere they've created is amazing. I have nothing but respect for everyone within both organizations and I'll always be grateful for the opportunity I received,” Philp said.

“I'm at a time in my life where I want to focus on things outside the realm of hockey. I'm doing well and wish all the best to the players, coaches and staff in Bakersfield and in Edmonton.”

Noah Philp has released a statement regarding his future plans, thanking the #Oilers & @Condors for the opportunity to compete for the organization this past season. https://t.co/Yo8zvhQ4uh

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 14, 2023

Oilers general manager Ken Holland confirmed the former Canmore Eagles forward's departure in an interview with The Athletic.

“Now, Philp is not playing hockey next year,” Holland said to The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman.

“He’s made a decision to call it a career. It was a very, very difficult year for him. He told us he wants to be around Calgary and close to his family and friends. For personal reasons, he’s not playing hockey.

“He made great progress. We liked him. We wanted to re-sign him. We offered him a two-year contract. We were anxious to see what he could do in training camp. But he’s not interested.”

The six-foot-three Philp was a highly-touted prospect within the Oilers organization, with some chatter that he had the potential of being the fourth-line centre for the club next season due to salary cap purposes.

Philp signed a one-year contract with the Oilers in April 2022 and played in his rookie season for the American Hockey League's (AHL) Condors last season, where he scored 19 goals and had 37 points in 70 games.

Philp is the younger brother of Luke Philp, who currently plays for the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, the Chicago Blackhawks farm team.

The older brother said he and his family are proud of Noah for making a tough decision and doing what he wants and what's best for him.