When you think about the long serving players of the EIHL, one of the players you think about is the 15 season veteran David “Davey” Phillips. David Phillips is a well known defenseman in the United Kingdom who has stellar performances with team GB and his loyal seasons with the Sheffield Steelers, or his runs with the Belfast Giants. Davey is also well known in Hull, his hometown for his tenure with the Hull Stingrays in the EIHL.
Davey Phillips has been in the EIHL for 15 years playing for the Hull Stingrays (now defunct), Sheffield Steelers, Manchester Storm, Coventry Blaze and the Belfast Giants so almost every fan has heard of him. He only spent two seasons with the Hull Stingrays once they entered the EIHL and these were the years of his career just developing. Phillips developed a lot of his defensive skills in those seasons, especially his awareness. As the seasons went on Phillips was able to read plays more better and learn where he should be positioned on the ice. Phillips would also play one season with the Coventry Blaze and the Manchester Storm, where he only played half of the seasons. His discipline needed work during and after these seasons as between those two seasons he played 70 games and put up 200 penalty minutes.
In the offseason for the 2016/17 season Phillips made the move to the Sheffield Steelers which was his home for the next six seasons. Fox was a huge fan of Phillips' game when he played in Belfast and he wanted him on his squad to chase success. Phillips was a top 6 Dman for the club playing regular minutes. In these seasons we saw the best side of Phillips’ career as he was productive in offensive plays with his teammates and producing defensively to prevent teams scoring against his goalie. We were fully introduced to his fast skating ability and aggressiveness when fighting for the puck along the boards; he also, had a great stick checking ability which improved his chances of winning the puck back when stick lifting and poke checking the puck; it also, reduced the amount of high sticks and tripping penalties when he was on the ice.
After the Belfast Giants grand slam glory in the 22/23 season, Adam Keefe convinced Davey Phillips to make a return to the Belfast Giants 23/24 season as they looked to defend the trophies. Sadly he wouldn’t see silverware at all that season as it all went to his old team the Sheffield Steelers. That aside Phillips had a successful season with the Giants, he played 52 games and had a wonderful +/- stat of +13 which put him in the top 12 for best +/- stat amongst defenseman. He helped his team to the EIHL playoff final against his former team the Sheffield Steelers.
Davey Phillips won his fair share of silverware in the EIHL such as the EIHL Challenge Cup (08/09 & 19/20), EIHL League (13/14), EIHL Knockout Cup (08/09), EIHL Erhardt Conference (12/13 & 13/14) and the EIHL Playoffs (16/17).
Davey Phillips now returns home to the Hull Seahawks as their player assistant coach for the 24/25 season. This is a huge move for Davey as he gets his first taste of coaching with his local team the Hull Seahawks. Phillips will be able to use all that veteran knowledge and all the experiences he has had from the EIHL and help coach Hull towards success in the NIHL as they look to bounce back from last season and become one of the top teams in the league. This is huge for the Hull Seahawks too as they get a well experienced player from the top flight of ice hockey in the UK which will be beneficial for their future. This will be the first time in 16 years since Davey Phillips has played for a team in Hull, making this big for him as it is a massive return home but also big for all the fans who used to watch him during the Hull Stingrays era.
Davey Phillips' return to Hull as the player assistant coach for the Seahawks marks a significant milestone in his storied career. After 15 seasons in the EIHL, playing for teams like the Sheffield Steelers, Belfast Giants, and his hometown Hull Stingrays, Phillips brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role. His extensive knowledge of the game and defensive prowess will be invaluable assets as he guides the Seahawks in their quest for success in the NIHL. This move not only signifies a homecoming for Phillips but also promises a bright future for the Hull Seahawks, poised to benefit from the insights of one of the UK's most seasoned and respected defensemen. Fans, both old and new, will undoubtedly be thrilled to see Phillips back in Hull, contributing to the growth and success of local hockey.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Will Harris
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
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