Team GB, Sheffield Steelers captain Jonathan Phillips announces retirement decision

Team Great Britain and Sheffield Steelers captain Jonathan Phillips has announced his decision to retire at the end of the season. 

Phillips will retire as Team GB’s all-time appearance leader and is expected to add to his 111-cap tally at the 2023 IIHF World Championship in Nottingham.

The Cardiff-born forward has captained Team GB since 2012, playing an integral role in the squad’s rise to the elite level of the sport.

While Phillips has also represented the Cardiff Devils, Milton Keynes Lightning, Basingstoke Bison, and Passau Black Hawks, Sheffield is his ‘hockey home.’

Jonathan Phillips, Team GB (Image: Dean Woolley)

Phillips has lifted every trophy on offer as captain of the Steelers, winning four Elite League titles, three EIHL Playoff crowns, and one Challenge Cup.

The 40-year-old has featured in more Elite League games than any other play, with 1,175 appearances to his name.

Phillips has amassed 442 points (168 goals, 274 assists) in 914 regular-season games in the Elite League.

Phillips has also represented the Cardiff Devils, Basingstoke Bison, Milton Keynes Lightning, and Passau Black Hawks.

Analysis: Sheffield Steelers’ Jonathan Phillips announces decision to retire

Jonathan Phillips will retire as one of the most important and impactful players in our hockey history.

The 1982-born forward has amassed an incredible trophy haul, but his influence is impossible to measure in appearances, points, or trophies.

Phillips is an icon.

If he wasn’t already (he was), his assist to Ben Davies in that showdown with France confirmed his place in the UK’s Hockey Hall of Fame.

Philips could add another historic chapter to his story in a few months, with the 2023 IIHF World Championship looming over the horizon.

But his status doesn’t rely on promotion this summer.

While would be the perfect way to say farewell, Phillips has already made a lifetime of contributions for club and country.

“I know I could play for another three, four, or five years, but I just thought it was time to go out and find a career,” he said of his decision to from the sport.

“It [the thought to retire] is always there, especially as the years roll on, you always have those late-night worries when you close your eyes and think about what to do next.

“I wanted to retire before I put the club in an awkward position: I never wanted the club to think ‘why are we still giving this guy a contract?’.

“Instead, I get to leave on my terms and I’ve found something [working with children] that I’m really passionate about.”

Phillips is a remarkable player, but probably an even better leader.

He is the archetypal hockey player — no quit, fearless, determined.

It takes incredible skill and resilience for a player to stay in professional sports into their 40s.

Just look at Philips.