Oilers prospect Noah Philp explains why he retired for one year

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Ryan Hall
September 22, 2024 (9:04)

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During a media scrum at Oilers training camp, team prospect Noah Philp explained why he took a one-year leave from pro hockey.

Philp's one year hiatus shocked many throughout the organization and the fan base as he was one of the highest scoring and point getters for the Bakersfield condors. He explained that it was a gut decision that led him to this leave and after a year feels it was the right one.

«The best I can answer is that I felt like I needed to step away, and it was a decision just for me and it was just a gut feeling,» Philp said.

The Oilers never let him go out of their sight and awarded him a one-year deal two-way contract. During his time away, he chose to travel the world and to get new perspective on life and himself which seems to be the right decision as he has clarity and the love for hockey has crept back in.

"It just gave me a different look," Philp said of his hiatus from hockey. "I just had a gut feeling to step away from hockey for a little while and I didn't know how long that would be. I did that and I went and saw different parts of the world, did some travelling, and then came home and sort of decided it was ready to get back into it.

"It feels fresh to me and it feels really great to be back."

What's his decision was made to return and signing his new deal on July 14th, Philp has been in an extended summer working out on the ice and in the gym preparing himself for training camp which is now begun.

"I had quite a bit of time, so I've probably been skating hard for four or five months now and training while these guys played all year," he said. "I've kind of had an extended summer, so that's given me time to get up to speed.

With all this extra training it remains to be seen on whether he can earn a roster spot or will be sent back to the Condors, but this will be a boost to the depth chart of the Oilers going forward.

Source: NHL.com

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Source: Oilers Daily

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