new face in the nest

The Colorado Eagles have welcomed AHL First All-Star right-winger Matthew Phillips onto the ice for the first time. Fans showed their excitement for the once rival’s move when he made his first goal for the Eagles during the home opener at the Blue Arena.

Although Phillips is new to the Eagles Organization, he is no novice when it comes to both the AHL and NHL. He has found success with multiple teams, but more recently with the win of the Calder Cup Championship for the Hershey Bears last season.

“Winning the Calder Cup last year is something that I’ll remember forever,” Phillips said. “It was an incredible experience because I have been close a few times, so to get it done last year was pretty cool and I’m looking to do it again this year.”

With 110 goals and 146 assists in 316 games throughout his career in the AHL and NHL, Phillips has made himself an invaluable asset to every team he has taken the ice for, and his stats are a testament to that.

“Last year I bounced around a lot and that can be a challenge for players trying to make it to the next level,” Phillips said. “So there are some things that you have to deal with that are out of your control, but I think it’s just focusing on what you can control and you can get better at every day.”

Phillips career has been no cake walk, being moved around the AHL and NHL can take its toll, but he has been able to stay at the top of his game with the support from the people around him.

“My family is extremely supportive, my grandparents, my girlfriend is a huge support system too,” Phillips said. “The teammates you have as well because some things go smoother than others for guys throughout seasons, so having a good group of friends is huge.”

Phillips is excited to continue his career in Colorado and gives credit to the fans for it being one of his favorite places to play while on the road.

“This is bar none the best place to come play on the road and definitely my favorite place to come play,” Phillips said. “The atmosphere is incredible and it’s just so much fun. The energy and how loud it is, is pretty awesome and something I don’t take for granted,”

The Eagles fandom is excited to have Phillips along for the journey and Phillips is ready to help take the team to the championship.