This article, written by Andrew Macdougall, was originally published via On the Fly Hockey on July 19, 2014.
This weekend marks a special milestone within the Australian Ice Hockey League as Adelaide Adrenaline captain Greg Oddy is set to play his 300th game.
Oddy’s career spans more than a decade where he first debuted in the AIHL for the Adelaide Avalanche after spending time in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with the La Ronge Ice Wolves.
Whether it’s Australia, North America or Europe, Oddy has performed on every sheet of ice he could skate on.
Leading scorer in the Belgium Elite League, Most Valuable Player and best forward at the 2008 IIHF World Championships and MVP of the AIHL in 2010, Oddy’s career rivals any player to hit a puck in anger in Australia.
At 33 years of age and leading scorer for the Adrenaline over the past four seasons, Oddy doesn’t look like slowing down.
“Just taking it a season at a time,” said Greg Oddy.
“Will see how this season finishes, see how the body holds up etc. Big thing is I’m really enjoying playing right now. I enjoy coming to the rink, playing hockey with the boys.
“We missed the playoffs last year for the first time. That was tough. The thought of winning another championship & being part of this club with the direction its going is exciting. That’s what keeps me going.”
We see the hurdles which the AIHL faces in 2014 as they continue to try and get a foot hole within the Australian sporting landscape. Playing 300 games at national competition level is even something Oddy never thought would happen.
“Not at all, was just taking it a year at a time early on,” continued Oddy.
“Wasn’t sure how long the league would survive for. While I was hopeful the league would prosper the reality was the clubs & the league faced so many challenges early on.
“Teams were coming & going. Nobody was really looking too far ahead. We were just enjoying the moment & the opportunity to play in a national league, full credit to the Avalanche, Sydney Bears & Canberra Knights management for having a vision and making it happen.”
Playing overseas and representing the Australian national team Oddy has experienced a lot during his hockey career, with many highlights throughout, Oddy still gets drawn back to the AIHL when speaking of memorable moments.
Oddy was part of history when Australia won gold in Newcastle, three time AIHL champion and had the opportunity to play with a sibling over his 15 year career.
“Being part the AIHL from day one,” explained Oddy.
“Seeing the league form & the hard work put in by a group of people to get it off the ground, now to see it evolve is amazing. Winning 3 AIHL championships, all very different but equally memorable.
“Winning gold in Newcastle & being part of Australia’s first Div 2 gold medal was something I’ll never forget. Playing with my brother John for the Avalanche, we had a blast & one of the most memorable periods of my career.”
For the past five years I have watched Greg Oddy play in the AIHL and set the standard, some circles call him the greatest player to lace up skates in this country – I am in that group – some even suggesting the MVP award should be named after the Adrenaline stalwart.
While the naming of awards are a nice touch and great recognition of achievement within the hockey community, for the legacy of Greg Oddy, it’s about what happens on the ice.
“Someone who left everything out on the ice,” Oddy remarked
“Always put the team first and liked nothing more than winning.”
Greg Oddy has always been a winner, left everything on the ice, the day he skates his final stride in the AIHL will be emotional.
I just hope I am there to stand and applaud on what has been a fine career.
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