Tommy Phillips

Tommy Phillips
Hockey Hall of Fame, 1945
Cropped image of the head of a man in his early 20s, wearing a wool sweater, staring just past the camera
Born (1883-05-22)May 22, 1883
Rat Portage, Ontario, Canada
Died November 30, 1923(1923-11-30) (aged 40)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 168 lb (76 kg; 12 st 0 lb)
Position Left wing
Played for Vancouver Millionaires (PCHA)
Edmonton Professionals
Ottawa Hockey Club (ECAHA)
Kenora Thistles (MHL)
Playing career 1900–1912

Thomas Neil Phillips (May 22, 1883 – November 30, 1923) was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger. Like other players of his era, Phillips played for several different teams and leagues. Most notable for his time with the Kenora Thistles, Phillips also played with the Montreal Hockey Club, the Ottawa Hockey Club, the Toronto Marlboros and the Vancouver Millionaires. Over the course of his career Phillips participated in six challenges for the Stanley Cup, the championship trophy of hockey, winning twice: with the Montreal Hockey Club in 1903 and with the Kenora Thistles, which he captained, in January 1907. Following his playing career, Phillips worked in the lumber industry until his death in 1923.

One of the best defensive forwards of his era, Phillips was also known for his all-around skill, particularly his strong shot and endurance, and was considered, alongside Frank McGee, one of the two best players in all of hockey. His younger brother, Russell, also played for the Thistles and was a member of the team when they won the Stanley Cup. When the Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in 1945, Phillips was one of the original nine inductees.