 Jamie Phillips is an American professional ice hockey player currently signed to the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. Phillips played college hockey at Michigan Tech, where he became a star player for the program. After being drafted by the Jets, Phillips has played for Manitoba Moose, Jacksonville Icemen, and the Florida Everblades. Phillips is a goaltender with tons of talent and is an exiting player to watch! The Jamie Phillips Interview1. What was your youth career like? Growing up I was a forward until I was 12. Although I was a good little player I didn’t enjoy it. I eventually gave my dad an ultimatum, either let me be a goalie or I’m quitting hockey. He gave in and that’s how it started. I got cut from AAA every year until major bantam where I had to leave to go to a different city. Once I got into AAA I played until minor midget where I was drafted to the OHL and then my jr career began. 2. How were you recruited by Michigan tech? I was playing in the BCHL with the Powell River Kings. I spoke the MTU’s assistant coach after a preseason game and it put me on their list of potential goalies. Throughout the year I spoke with them and flew out for a visit in November of 2011. I had to decide what school I wanted to play because I had a bunch of offers. Steve Shields was the goalie coach at tech at the time and he along with Mel Pearson made it an easy decision to commit. Having a strong coaching staff is everything in college 3. Describe your career at Michigan tech, what did playing there teach you as a Goalie? I only played 13 games between my first two seasons. Although I played well I was playing alongside current NHL goalie Pheonix Copley. When he signed the job fell to me and I was able to run with it, playing all but 1 game my last 2 seasons. Having two completely opposite halves of college taught me a few things as a goalie. I learned how to be a good backup, I learned what it takes to be a consistent starter. I learned how to take care of your body when you have a huge workload of games I learned to give 100% in practice no matter what. I learned how to properly strength train. 4. What’s it like to be on 9 different teams in the past 10 years? That's part of hockey, of course I would like to stay on the same few teams, however that's not always the case for players. I was traded a few times to help teams to push into playoffs. In pro there’s a lot of up and down movement between the NHL/AHL/ECHL. You don’t have a ton of control where you play. If the organization wants to move you there’s nothing you can do. The only thing you can think about is your own game and playing well regardless of your team 5. How did you feel when you got drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2012? I was super excited of course. Getting drafted isn’t the end all be all by any means but it was a foot in the door. I was able to experience a lot of things most hockey players never get to and I was able to play in a top notch organization and it gave me the opportunity to live out my dream of being a pro hockey player. 6. What do you like most about the sport of hockey? I like the comradely within your team. I feel like hockey has a unique vibe as sport. Some of the best people I’ve met are through hockey and they are the guys that I would die for day in and day out 7. Do you have any other hobbies besides hockey? I’m big into reading books and music. I play the piano for fun. I also enjoy golf although I’m not that great at it. 8. What’s the coolest stadium you’ve ever played in? Bell MTS in Winnipeg is probably the best atmosphere I’ve been in. Especially during the playoffs. The best drink I’ve played in may have been QuickenLoans arena in Cleveland. Massive jumbo-tron, lots of fans and it has a basketball atmosphere. 9. Favorite candy? I don’t eat a lot of candy but I like chocolate. I usually go with 90% dark but as a kid I loved Reese’s cups. 10. Do you have someone you look up to in the NHL? If so who? Not anymore, as a kid I loved Christobal Huet. Now I just enjoy watching how good guys like Bobrovsky and Vasilevskiy are. 11. Favorite NHL team growing up? My parents are from Montreal so I was a big Canadieans fan 12. Describe yourself in five words. Hardworking Focused Calm Enjoying life 13. Go to snack on the road? Pork Rinds 14. Favorite song? That’s tough, anything from the band Architects. 15. If you could travel back in time where would you go? Maybe back to the Big Bang and just see how it all began. That would answer a lot of questions I have! 16. What are your goals for the future? Play hockey at the highest level I can and just enjoy the journey. This is a unique time in my life and I want to enjoy every second of it 17. Any advice for kids trying to go pro? Outwork everyone else. There’s no guarantees in hockey or life. If you think you’re working hard work you’re only at 40% of your capacity. The hard work will pay off in the end! 18. Any last words for the readers? Thanks for taking the time to read my interview. I’m always available on Instagram if anyone wants to reach out for questions. @jamiephillips30 Written by Michael DaileyThanks Jamie for the interview. Great player and great person. Wish you nothing but the best in your future.
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Chris DaileyFounder, The Sports Court. Loves to read, learn, and share stories about the top 1% Michael DaileyA huge hockey fan who loves to learn all about the game and players from around the globe! Archives
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