WHL Stars & NHL Debuts: First game, first point for Oilers forward Noah Philp

Nashville, Tenn.- Grab that puck!

WHL alumnus Noah Philp made a splash in his NHL debut to become one of the feel-good stories of the Edmonton Oilers’ season on October 31.

“It was an amazing game,” Philp grinned postgame. “I thought just the energy from all the guys was so much fun to be a part of, and having my family here was incredible… They were all standing there right at the glass and went up and gave them a smile and took a quick picture.

That was a that was a pretty precious moment for all of us.”

Noah Philp first @NHL game coming 🔜 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/jBqfjYuTlw

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 31, 2024

Of course, he had plenty more reasons to smile after the final buzzer rang on a 5-1 Edmonton victory over the surging Nashville Predators.

Philp recorded his first NHL point with an assist- and key board battle win- on Corey Perry’s game-winning goal.

The 26-year-old finished his night with a helper, three shots, one hit and one block in 10:51 in ice time- not to mention going an impressive 10/14 (71%) at the faceoff dot to give the fourth line some prime opportunities.

It’s even more impressive, considering he sat out the entire 2023-24 season for personal reasons.

“He’s been through a lot, and, you know, to play in the NHL a couple of months after having been off for a full year, that seems nearly impossible,” Oilers alternate captain and fellow WHL alumnus Leon Draisaitl added. “He’s just inching closer and closer to making a career out of this. So, very impressed with the way he handles himself, the way he plays the game. I think he’s got a bright future ahead.”

Goodnight, Oil Country 💪👷‍♂️ #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/2l7u3WrKr5

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 1, 2024

Philp, a 6-foot-3, 198-pound forward, played 259 games over four seasons split evenly between the then-Kootenay ICE and Seattle Thunderbirds, putting up 54 goals and 112 assists for 166 career points.

He went out on a high note with a career-best 26-goal, 49-assist campaign with the Thunderbirds.

The Canmore, Alta. product went on to a stellar run with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, earning Canada West All-Rookie Team honours and helping the Golden Bears capture the Canada West Championship and advance to the U SPORTS University Cup.

Philp scored twice in the national championship final, though Alberta would fall in double overtime.

He’s become the 15th former Golden Bears Hockey player to make the jump to the NHL and first since his brother, Luke (Kootenay ICE, Red Deer Rebels), suited up for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023.

Philp’s Oilers teammate, Derek Ryan (Spokane Chiefs), is also a former Golden Bear.

Philp could get his first real taste of the Battle of Alberta as the Oilers travel to Calgary on Sunday, November 3 to take on the rival Flames.