From elite athlete to philanthropy: Chris Phillips on giving back

Posted on Friday, May 31st, 2024

Chris Phillips is the longest-serving player in Ottawa Senators franchise history and an Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame inductee. Phillips’headshot of Chris Phillips professional accomplishments are abundant. He played for Team Canada at the 1996 and 1997 World Juniors, won the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year, and the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy for top defenceman. Phillips assisted the Senators in reaching the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, and he was the longest serving alternate captain for the Senators for 10 seasons. His jersey number, #4, was retired by the team in 2019.

In addition to his accomplishments as a professional athlete, Phillips put his business mind to action in 2012 when he became the co-owner of Big Rig, a microbrewery in Ottawa, which he has since sold. In 2014, his Big Rig Black IPA beer won a gold medal at the Ontario Brewing Awards.

Over the past 20 years, Phillips’ generous philanthropic endeavors include supporting more than 20 charitable events and causes within the community, including Movember Canada, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Program, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Ottawa BGC (formerly Ottawa Boys and Girls Club), to name a few.

Along with his wife Erin, Phillips hosted a fundraiser in Ottawa to raise relief for the Fort McMurray wildfires. As a result, they were awarded the Order of Ottawa in 2016 for their charitable efforts.

A philanthropist at heart, Philips credits his community involvement to the values installed through professional sports. “As a hockey player in Canada, responsibility comes with the platform,” he said. “Meeting people first-hand, you see the direct impact you have on the community.”

Phillips leads by example in the community, in business and in the rink, making a special effort to always learn from the people around him. “Show up every day, work hard, try to be better, I do my part to help the team be successful,” he said. “It’s people in those positions [of leadership] that people want to replicate — as a team, it makes us stronger, and it’s not much different in the business world. You can always learn from those working with you and for you and collaborate in a team atmosphere.”

For soon-to-be-graduates, Philips advised a slow-and-steady approach to career building, emphasizing the importance of continued hard work and determination.

“Continue to set goals for yourself so that you have something to work towards; put in a little bit everyday towards the goal, you’ll be more successful, getting better each day,” said Philips.

As a public figure, Phillips explained the importance of leaving work at work and compartmentalizing your focus: “[You have to] be able to park it and leave it behind so that it doesn’t wear you down [to be] able to concentrate on family, which is very beneficial.”

Phillips supported the Senators community and business development as the Executive Director of the Senators Community Foundation. In 2022, he rejoined as the Senators Vice President of Business Operations. Today, Phillips continues to lead a well-rounded life in the Ottawa community, supporting the Senators and the Senators Community Foundation, continuing his commitment to philanthropy work and enjoying family life.


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