Facing a Legend: The Story of Selmar Odelein
Today, we look back at the career of a true character and competitor in world hockey — former Edmonton Oiler, Nottingham Panther, and Sheffield Steeler, Selmar Odelein. His journey spans continents, leagues, triumphs, setbacks, and a lifetime of memories forged through the game he loves.
Listen to Selmar’s Podcast Interview here:
Selmar Odelein Podcast Interview
NHL Beginnings
Edmonton Oiler Selmar
The oldest of three professional hockey-playing brothers from Quill Lake, Saskatchewan, Selmar Odelein grew up surrounded by rink life. His early talent shone brightly, earning him Gold and Silver medals representing Canada at the U20 World Junior Championships.
In 1984, fresh off a strong junior career, Selmar was selected in the first round of the NHL draft by the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Edmonton Oilers. It was a dream entry into professional hockey — but injuries would make the path far tougher than expected. Knee and shoulder problems restricted his NHL presence to just 18 appearances.
When healthy, Selmar became a key presence on the Oilers’ AHL affiliates, sharing locker rooms with future Sheffield Steelers Ron Shudra and Ivan Matulik. He also crossed paths with future Steeler Mike Ware — this time as an opponent with the Murrayfield Racers.
Team Canada: A Year on the Road
When his contract with Edmonton ended, Selmar made an unconventional career choice: he spent a year travelling the world with Team Canada, appearing in 72 games. His teammates included future Steeler Steve Nemeth and another first-round pick, Mike Blaisdell — a player who would later lead the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers to success from behind the bench.
A European Adventure
Two years later, Selmar crossed the Atlantic again, this time to skate in Austria with Innsbruck EV and later Feldkirch. His European dream was cut short when a dual-citizenship application was rejected, leaving his team no option but to release him. Suddenly back on the market, Selmar turned to his extensive network of friends and former teammates.
The Heineken Era: Nottingham Panthers
Meanwhile, Selmar’s brother Lee was playing for the Bracknell Bees in the British Hockey League. Lee contacted Nottingham Panthers’ head coach Alex Dampier, and after a guest appearance in a friendly, Selmar was signed.
The move was controversial — he replaced fan favourite forward Dan Dorian — but it delivered exactly what the Panthers needed: toughness and stability on the blue line. Despite the internal drama and even after Dampier left shortly afterward, Selmar settled in for a strong season.
Nottingham finished third in the league and reached the Heineken Playoff semi-finals at Wembley, losing in sudden-death overtime to the Humberside Hawks. In a twist of fate, the OT goal was assisted by none other than Dan Dorian — the player Selmar had replaced.
Crossing Enemy Lines: Sheffield Steelers
The next season, their fiercest rivals came calling. Alex Dampier — now coaching the Steelers — wanted to strengthen his roster and had already brought in Chris Kelland. Reuniting with former Oiler teammates Ron Shudra and Ivan Matulik sealed the deal. Selmar made the move to Sheffield, much to the fury of the Panthers faithful.
However, injuries once again limited his time on the ice. Chronic back issues eventually forced his playing time to be managed, often appearing only in away games. He played a role in the Steelers’ stunning 8–0 semi-final win over Nottingham at Wembley in 1994 but had to watch the final from the sidelines.
Selmar recalls:
“My back was so painful that after the semi I knew my career was over. I couldn’t even pick up my little daughter. Before the final I went out for warm-up, gave my sticks away and soaked in the atmosphere. When I skated off it was very emotional.”
The Steelers finished runners-up that season, 18 points behind Cardiff, and were overwhelmed 12–1 in the playoff final. One can’t help but wonder how different things might have been with a fully fit Odelein on the blue line.
Life After Hockey
Today, Selmar is back home working on the family farm in Quill Lake, Saskatchewan. His days are quieter but not without challenges.
He says:
“I struggle every day getting out of bed; some days are worse than others. It’s hard to get off the floor when playing with my grandchildren. You do pay a price for playing the game, but when you look back on all the friends you made and get the odd email, it brings back a lot of memories.”
A Final Word
We wish Selmar and his wife Sandy all the very best and hope his health improves. Speaking with him and revisiting the many chapters of his career has been a privilege — a reminder that behind every stat line or team jersey is a man, a story, and a legacy built on resilience.
Listen to Selmar’s Podcast Interview here: Selmar Odelein Podcast Interview
You can also listen to Podcast interviews from Selmar’s alumni of former Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers players:
Nottingham Panthers;
Mark Twaite Episode S1E02
Graham Waghorn Episode S1E06
Randal Weber Episode S1E07
Jamie Leach Episode S1E010
Frankie Killen Episode S1E12
Jimmy Keyes Episode S1E13
Paul Adey Episode S1E16
Fred Perlini Episode S1E20
Craig Melancon Episode S1E21
Gavin Fraser Episode S1E22
Kenny McKie Episode S1E25
Todd Bidner Episode S1E27
Chuck Taylor Episode S1E29
Steve Carpenter Episode S2E06
Paul Blahyj Episode S2E12
Scott O’Connor Episode S3E03
Greg Hadden Episode S4E02
Barry Nieckar Episode S4 E06
Sheffield Steelers
Ron Shudra Episode S1E03
Les Millie Episode S1E05
Ken Priestlay Episode S1E09
Jamie Leach Episode S1E10
Scot Neil Episode S1E23
Tommy Plommer Episode S2E02
Wayne Cowley Episode S3E01
Nicky Chinn Episode S3E03
Tony Hand Episode S3E09
Tim Cranston Pt 2 Episode S4 E05
Ed Courtenay Episode S4E09
André Malo Episode S4E10
David Simms Episode S5E02