Great Britain defenceman David Phillips has announced his retirement from international ice hockey.
It brings down the curtain on an outstanding international career which saw Phillips win 114 caps, the joint third-highest of all-time with Matthew Myers behind Mark Richardson and Jonathan Phillips.
Phillips appeared in 17 World Championship tournaments and was part of GB’s gold medal-winning campaigns in Belfast (2017), Hungary (2018) and Nottingham (2023).
He also played in the top-flight of the World Championship four times – in Slovakia (2019), Latvia (2021), Finland (2022) and Czechia (2024).
The Hull-born blueliner also won three silver medals and one bronze, as well as icing in six Olympic Qualifying tournaments during his 18-year international career.
Phillips was handed his GB debut as a teenager in the 2006 World Championship Division I Group A in Amiens in France, registering three assists in five matches.
His first GB goal came in an 8-0 victory over Romania in 2009 and in total, Phillips scored seven times for his country, adding 24 assists for a total of 31 points.
Phillips said: “It has been an absolute honour to represent my country and it’s something that makes me very proud. I wanted to reach 100 caps and I was able to do this and more.
“The journey we went on to take GB to numerous years at the top level of international ice hockey is a remarkable story and that has been very special to be part of. Also, having my son watch me play for my country is something I’ll never forget.
“I am going to miss the unique GB locker room spirit. It’s a very special bond that has helped us spend so much time recently at the top level. The memories I have made with such an amazing group of guys will live with me forever.”
GB Head Coach, Peter Russell, said: “What an amazing career David has had for GB and he can be very proud of his achievements.
“David was on the first GB Under-18s team I was involved in and we came through together from the third tier to Pool A all these years later.
“An outstanding talent on the ice and a such a huge influence off the ice too. His leadership has been vital for GB and his sense of humour kept us all laughing for years.
“We will miss him both on and off the ice.”
Ice Hockey UK CEO, Henry Staelens, said: “I’d like to congratulate David on a fantastic career for Great Britain.
“His longevity for the national team speaks for itself and he’s been one of the mainstays in the team’s recent successes.
“To reach 100 caps in any sport is a fantastic achievement and David will go down as one of the greats to play for GB.”
