Hershey signs 6-foot-4 defenseman Phip Waugh to PTO for depth

Hershey signed defenseman Phip Waugh to a professional tryout contract on Jan. 24, a move designed to shore up the Bears' defensive depth amid roster adjustments. The 26-year-old left-shot arrives after a brief scoring burst in the ECHL and earlier AHL minutes, giving Hershey a size and experience profile that fits the organization’s immediate needs.

Waugh posted four points, including two goals and two assists, in seven games for the Savannah Ghost Pirates before the PTO. He also skated in 11 AHL games for Abbotsford earlier this season, providing front-office decision makers with a sample of his play at the higher level. At 6-foot-4, Waugh brings length and reach along the boards and in front of the net, traits that are valuable on a night-to-night basis when call-ups and injuries force lineup changes.

The signing highlights the transactional reality of AHL rosters. Hershey has relied on a blend of prospects and veteran depth, and a PTO like Waugh’s is a low-risk way to evaluate a player in practices and game situations without committing to a full-season deal. For Waugh, the PTO is a chance to translate his recent ECHL scoring into consistent AHL minutes and to demonstrate defensive stability, physical presence, and special teams value after his collegiate development at Mercyhurst.

From a performance standpoint, Waugh’s recent stat line in Savannah suggests an uptick in confidence and offensive engagement that could translate into secondary scoring from the blueline if given regular shifts. His 11 games in Abbotsford earlier this season mean he is not new to the pace of AHL play, and coaches will look for him to limit mistakes, make simple outlet passes, and use his size to win puck battles in the defensive zone.

On the business side, the move underscores how AHL clubs manage roster risk and cap-like constraints through short-term deals. Teams increasingly mine the ECHL and college ranks for players who can step into depth roles quickly, allowing AHL affiliates to maintain competitive lineup options while prospects develop. For Hershey, signing a Mercyhurst alumnus with AHL experience fits that model and maintains organizational flexibility ahead of potential NHL recalls or injuries.

For fans, Waugh’s arrival means another option on the blue line and a player to watch in the coming games as the Bears evaluate defensive pairings. The PTO gives Hershey the chance to assess whether Waugh can earn a longer stay; for Waugh, it is an audition to convert recent ECHL offense and prior AHL experience into a sustained role at the next level.