Two Golden Bears suit up in the NHL for the first time since 1984
Noah Philps and Derek Ryan suited up together on November 4, marking the first time since 1984 that two Bears have played in the NHL together.
On October 31, Golden Bears alumni Noah Philps made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut for the Edmonton Oilers. During his first regular season game, Philps got an assist on Corey Perry’s goal and then an attempted goal assisted by Perry.
After playing for the Bears between 2019 and 2022, Philps joined the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League (AHL) for two straight seasons. He then took a year off, left his mark at the Oilers training camp and became the 15th Golden Bear to play in the NHL.
Philps enjoyed six games with the Condors and when Connor McDavid was injured, the Oilers knew who they needed to call up. Philps won his first game in the NHL against the Nashville Predators October 31 and he’s kept a consistent game since.
All in all, Philps has been making the most of his time with the Oilers until McDavid returns, and he’s starting to play like he’s actually in the NHL.
But, do you know who already was? Former Bears player Derek Ryan who played at the University of Alberta for four seasons between 2007-11. During his time with the Bears, Ryan helped lead the team to a national title in 2008. He’s since spent 10 years in the NHL playing for the Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and now the Oilers.
After being scratched during the past two games with the Oilers, Ryan has returned to the roster just in time to catch up with Philps.
The two played together on November 4 against the New Jersey Devils in front of a home town crowd. Marking the first time two Golden Bears have played on the same team, during the same game since 1984.
Previous Golden Bears to join the NHL
Former Bears player, Wade Campbell, won a national championship between 1979 and 1982. He since played in the NHL off and on during 1983-88.
From 1976-79 Don Spring missed playing with Campbell by just one season. However during his time with the Bears, Spring won two national championships. Starting in 1980, Spring had a healthy four year career with the Winnipeg Jets.
On April 1, 1984, Spring and Campbell suited up for the Jets to beat the Flames by a score of 3-2. Marking the first time two Bears’ have ever played for the same NHL team during the same game.
What makes this even better?
Not only did Monday night’s game mark the first time in 40 years that two Bears players have suited up together. It also became the first time we’ve ever had two Bears playing together while being coached by a former Bear.
That’s right, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch played for the Bears between 1999-2004, putting another two national championships under the Oilers belt.
What a night for the U of A Bears and hopefully there’s many more to come.
