Ohio Goalie Honors Hometown on Olympic Helmet

Gwenyth Philips displays Athens brick design on her hockey mask.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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U.S. women's hockey goalie Gwenyth Philips is proudly representing her hometown of Athens, Ohio, on the backplate of her Olympic hockey helmet. The design features a brick wall pattern, a nod to the city's history of brick manufacturing. Philips typically includes the words "Athens block" on her helmet, but omitted them for the Olympics to avoid any IOC rule violations.

Why it matters

Philips' hometown tribute on her Olympic gear highlights the personal connections and local pride that athletes often bring to the international stage. As a native of Athens, Ohio, Philips is using her platform to celebrate the history and identity of her community.

The details

Philips, who played high school hockey in Pittsburgh and collegiately at Northeastern, where she was named national goaltender of the year in 2023, revealed the meaning behind her helmet design after the U.S. women's hockey team beat Italy to advance to the Winter Olympics semifinals.

  • Philips revealed the helmet design on February 15, 2026.
  • The U.S. women's hockey team beat Italy to advance to the Olympics semifinals on February 15, 2026.

The players

Gwenyth Philips

A goalie on the U.S. women's hockey team who is representing her hometown of Athens, Ohio, with a brick wall design on her Olympic helmet.

Shady Side Academy

The high school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Philips played hockey before going on to play collegiately at Northeastern University.

Northeastern University

The college where Philips played hockey and was named the national goaltender of the year in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Athens used to make its own bricks, so like part of my house is made of Athens blocks.”

— Gwenyth Philips (NBC)

“That's kind of special to me. I think it's kind of a nice throwback to home, and also kind of like the brick wall as a goal is a cool little crossover.”

— Gwenyth Philips (NBC)

What’s next

Philips and the U.S. women's hockey team will face off against Canada in the Olympic semifinals on February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Philips' hometown tribute on her Olympic helmet is a heartwarming example of how athletes can use their platform to celebrate the places and communities that have shaped them. Her design not only honors Athens' brick-making history, but also serves as a source of pride and inspiration for her local fans.