The Green Bay Gamblers currently find themselves in third place in the United States Hockey League’s Eastern Conference with a record of 27-13-3-1, in what is becoming a sprint to the playoffs. The Gamblers sit two points back of the Dubuque Fighting Saints for second place and 10 points back of the Youngstown Phantoms, who hold first place in the East.

With 18 games left to play, the Gamblers’ team is focused on bringing a Clark Cup back to Green Bay for the fifth time in franchise history and first since the 2011-12 season.

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“The number one goal for us is winning a Clark Cup here in Green Bay. We are just taking it day-by-day, looking to improve every day and taking it game by game,” Gamblers’ defenseman Maceo Phillips said during an interview. “It’s a huge goal of mine, my teammates and the coaching staff here in Green Bay.”

Phillips is determined to win, and in such a highly contested league, he outlined what it’s going to take for the Gamblers to be successful in their quest to be champions.

“It’s going to take us buying in, everyone playing their roles and playing for the team,” Phillips said. “It’s going to take a lot of guts too.”

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Phillips is in his first season with the Gamblers, after spending the two previous years with the USA Hockey National Development Program. The USHL has helped Phillips grow his game over the past three years.

“The three years have been awesome, it’s a very hard league to play in,” Phillips said. “My first year coming into the league at 16 years old was a huge wake-up call. I was playing with the National Team, and the competition showed me the level I needed to keep working towards to stay with the pace. I’ve learned more and more every single year.”

Through 29 games played with the Gamblers this season, the 18-year-old defenseman has posted one goal and six assists, to go along with a plus-minus rating of plus-one. The transition to Green Bay for Phillips has been a great experience.

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“It’s been awesome, I love everything about Green Bay,” Phillips said. “I love my teammates and the staff, it’s been great to play here. I feel like I’ve grown a lot here, and I feel like we have a great team here. It should be a fun final stretch.”

In June at the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Phillips was selected in the third round, 80th overall by the Calgary Flames. Hearing his name called was a continued affirmation of the work he has put in and the support he has received throughout his career.

“It was a dream that I’ve had my entire life and something that happened due to the hard work that I’ve put in,” Phillips said, “It was a huge moment for my mom as well and just all the work she put in to allow me to play hockey.”

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Now a member of the Flames’ organization, Phillips knows that this is just the beginning and that he must keep working to achieve his dream of skating in the NHL.

“I’m so thankful that they took a chance on me and believe in me,” Phillips said. “Now it’s my time to do the work, stay positive and be a good person.”

Phillips has committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2026-27 season, joining the Golden Gophers to return home to play hockey in his home state.

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“I’m so excited about that. I love everything about Minnesota, especially the program they have there,” said Phillips. “I’m super excited to go there, to keep working hard, play for my home state and hopefully win a National Championship.”

The Gamblers return to action on Saturday evening when they host the Lincoln Stars. Puck drop set for 7:05 p.m. EST.