Phil Kemp: A Veteran Defenseman's Path Through Hockey
Before hitting the professional and collegiate ranks, Kemp was part of the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). He played on the U.S. National U17 team, USNTDP Juniors, and U.S. National U18 team. During his time with the U17 and U18 team, he played in 122 games and tallied six goals and 19 assists. Kemp was playing multiple sports at the time of going into the program. “I was playing multiple sports. I was doing kind of I didn't really know what basketball I wanted to put my eggs. So when I made that team, it was huge for my development just playing with the best players every day. Those practices were some of the most competitive. I've been a part of. And it kind of just elevated everybody's game. It's kind of thing where it's Horizon tide lifts all boats. And especially being there, playing for those coaches, playing with those players. It was truly special, and it was something I look back on now with a lot of loveava. It was awesome”
After Kemp’s time at the USNTDP, he went on to play at Yale University. During his time with Yale, he dressed in 88 games and notched nine goals and 18 assists. When playing at the collegiate level, Kemp formed many relationships with other players like Providence Bruins Assistant Captain Billy Sweezy and Former Hershey Bears Winger Joe Snively, along with current Pittsburgh Penguin defenseman Jack St. Ivany. “It was great. They're really good players and Jack St. Ivany too. I loved my time there. It was unfortunately cut short because of COVID. It was great for my development, and it challenged me as a person and a player on the ice and off it.”
During the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Kemp was selected in the seventh round, 208th overall by the Edmonton Oilers. During his time with the Oilers organitzation, he dressed in 258 games with the AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors and tallied 18 goals with 40 assists. Kemp kept up with one thing he has learned during his time with the Condors, and that is just to keep working. “I think personally is complacency is death, you know? You have to get better each and every year. If you're not, you're gonna get passed up. It's a really competitive league. You've got to find ways to get better, whether that's on the ice off the ice, but you have to always trim fat, and that's my goal.”
- Photo Credit: Melissa Moleyneux/ Olde City Sports Network
The Greenwich, Connecticut native signed with the Penguins on July 2nd, 2025. Being close to home and being able to play in front of family and friends more means alot to Kemp. “It's just a blessing. I'm able to see my parents, my family, a little bit more. I love playing, I love competing. I love going to war with these guys, and it's a team sport like hockey's truly special because everyone has their hands on the rope. Everybody has their fingerprints on a win. And then when you get on that bus going home, there's nothing like it.”
Holding the title of Captain comes with the responsibility of being the voice in the room and a role model for the younger players. Kemp was named Captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on November 20th, 2025 and became the first captain since Taylor Fedun through the 2021-2024 seasons. He is now the 21st captain in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins history. “It's a tremendous honor. It means a lot to me. Especially, it's just you gain the respect of the room, and that's all that matters. Nothing really changes from my game, but to have the opportunity to lead the team into battle is something I don't take lightly. I truly embrace it, and I'll do my best for the guys in the room.”
Reading the ice is a skill that all defenseman should have since that position sees most of the ice during the game. Being able to read plays and think quickly is an attribute that is critical. Kemp hammered home one point: Communication. “You kind of just you get your head up and you're trying to read the play. It's a quick game, but I like speaking English a lot. I like talking. I think communication is an underrated skill, and it helps the faster pace of the AHL. It always just helps your teammates. The game's quick, but it's a lot about patterns. Can you read patterns? Can you read the play? Can you guess the opponent's move? And you're trying to play chestnut checkers.”
Defenseman hold many different traits and there is a sense of responsibility that comes within the position while on the ice for the team. “There's a lot of different types of defensemen, but you just got to find a way to help the team. Me personally? I try to be recession proof. I try to be reliable, I try to be. somebody that you can look down the bench and know what I'm bringing every night. For other guys, that might be different, that might be skating the building, might be shooting the belly, scoring. I think maybe the best quality of defense we can have find a job. Find a job, do your job and do it to the best of your abilities.”
Over the years, as humans, we are all taught lessons that form us into the people we are today. For players, that aspect is no different and it makes them better players on and off of the ice. “The lesson I've learned is complacency is death. When you stick around a little bit longer, you realize what makes guys kind of flame out a little bit, or not flame out. It's a little harsh, but maybe not stick around longer than they want to. It's as simple as it comes. You got to keep getting better. You're never perfect. You got to keep fighting to get better.”
- Samantha Wismer/Olde City Sports Network
- Photo Credit: Melissa Moleyneux/ Olde City Sports Network
