Selmar Odelein Podcast Interview
from OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast Hosted by Ken Abbott
Season 2 opens with a true hockey warrior as Selmar Odelein—former Edmonton Oilers, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers defenceman—joins the show. Born in Quill Lake, Saskatchewan, Selmar starred in junior hockey, winning World Junior gold and silver with Canada, and was a 1st-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 1984. Injuries limited his NHL career, but he spent significant time in the AHL, playing alongside future UK teammates Ron Shudra and Ivan Matulik. After his Oilers contract, Selmar played 72 games with Team Canada, then spent two seasons in Austria. His UK chapter began with the Nottingham Panthers, signed by Alex Dampier, helping the club to a third-place league finish and Wembley Playoff semi-finals. He later crossed the rivalry divide to join Sheffield Steelers, but recurring injuries—especially to his back—cut his time short. Despite featuring in the famous 8–0 Wembley semi-final win over Nottingham, he was unable to play in the final, marking an emotional end to his career. Now back on the family farm in Saskatchewan, Selmar reflects on the physical toll of hockey, balanced by the lifelong friendships and memories the game gave him.
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