Team | GP | W | L | OTW | OTL | CP | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northstars | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 15 |
Lightning | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Adrenaline | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Rhinos | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Brave | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Player | Points |
---|---|
Jeremiah Addison (PER) | 20 |
francis Drolet (NNS) | 20 |
Aiden Wagner (NNS) | 20 |
Joakim Erdugan (MIC) | 16 |
Goalie | SV% |
---|---|
Rhys Pelliccione (PER) | .950 |
Rylan Toth (ADE) | .947 |
Tatsunoshin Ishida (MIC) | .935 |
Leo Bertein (PER) | .923 |
300 and counting: Greg Oddy entering uncharted territory |
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On the eve of his 300th game, Greg Oddy has already established himself as an undisputed legend of the AIHL. Having played every season of the competition so far, Oddy needed 22 games to reach an unprecedented 300th games. With the big day on Sunday against the Sydney Bears at the Adelaide Ice Arena, Oddy will reach the milestone with several records under his belt. However, the humble captain of the Adelaide Adrenaline said he’s surprised as anyone about reaching 300 games, especially when the fledgling league that comprised the Adelaide Avalanche, Canberra Knights and Sydney Bears launched in 2000. “In the early days I wasn’t sure if a national league could be sustainable,” Oddy said. “Others had tried to start similar leagues before and failed. The first few years, we had teams coming and going. I wasn’t really looking too far ahead. I was just grateful to be given the opportunity to play in a national league - an opportunity guys before me never really got.” Since then, Oddy has compiled points like an import, topping the Adrenaline and Avalanche’s scoring charts for seven seasons, while being in the top three a further six times. It has helped Oddy compile all point scoring records in AIHL history with 545 points (next best is the Bears’ Vlad Rubes on 399) from 236 goals (next best in AIHL history is the Melbourne Ice’s Lliam Webster on 159) and 309 assists (next best was Rubes on 245). Not only with AIHL records, Oddy also has international records for Australia with 116 points and 63 goals. He is also second in assists (53) and games played (67). It’s a career that has taken Oddy around the world but the highlights remain in the AIHL. “[One of my biggest highlights is] Obviously seeing this league start up,” Oddy said. “One day you are playing local league in front of a few people, the next day you are playing the Sydney Bears in front of a packed house. That was a really special moment.” “Our three AIHL Championships were also very special. It’s the reason we play the game. The 2000 and 2001 championships really helped our club create an identity and put hockey on the map here in Adelaide. The 2009 championship was amazing given the previous year the team had nearly folded. Success after adversity is always sweeter.” Oddy has also had the opportunity to play with many talented players, both locals and imports but said it was tough to narrow it down having played in the league for so long. “Playing alongside my brother John was something I’ll never forget,” Oddy said. “It was a blast. I really looked up to him. We’re both really competitive and wanted to get the best out of each other. Having him on one wing and Trevor Walsh on the other made my job much easier. Eric Lien, Chris Brlecic, the Thilthorpe brothers and Josh Harding are other names that come to mind. David Huxley has also been a stalwart for us and I love reminding him that the one year he missed through injury we won a championship. But all of these guys have given so much to the club over a long period and we’ve shared so many great memories. “Import wise - you can’t really go past Steve McKenna. What he did for our club was huge. I learnt so much from him the short period he was here. Derek DeCosty, Paul and Charlie Lawson, Darcy Corcoran…the list goes on. And, obviously the opportunity to play with the ‘Mangler’ Mel Angelstad was something special. I’ve never seen someone create so much space out on the ice. We never knew what he was going to do next. I don’t think he did either.” The success that Oddy has had throughout his career has been helped by a chance to play overseas as a youngster, in the US, Canada, UK, Finland and Belgium. It’s helped him develop vital skills. “To be able to play overseas at such a young age was huge,” Oddy said. “With the help of the Lovering family, I found myself at Notre Dame. This was one of the most exciting years of my career. From here came opportunities at Junior level in Saskatchewan. Then four or five years over in Europe, the whole journey was a blast. Eventually though you need a real job. The timing was right.” “Playing overseas is a reality check most of us Australian hockey players need at some stage. You get over there and quickly realise there are a lot of great hockey players. And, its things like work ethic and attitude that make the difference.” For younger kids looking to follow in Oddy’s footsteps, he has a few ideas as to why he has been able to be so successful for so long in the AIHL. “Firstly, you need to the love the game,” Oddy said. “Obviously staying healthy is important. But, you need to work hard. I’ve never liked coming into a season underprepared. I enjoy the training side of things. The work you put in - on ice and off ice - generally reflects the way you play and success you have.” When the league was established, Greg’s dad Steve, and James Thilthorpe founded and ran the Adelaide Avalanche. The support of his family and those around the league has been instrumental in his longevity and success from the early days until now. “Family has been huge,” Oddy said. “Dad and mum provided me with so many opportunities as a kid. They (along with Thilthorpe’s) invested a lot of time and money to get the team off the ground. So many times they get could have walked away but they stuck with it. I couldn’t continue to play without the support of my wife either. We have three young girls now so she has a pretty intense workload when I travel. She’s amazing.” Having been around since the early days of the competition, Oddy has a unique perspective on the league. Saying that the league has been getting better every season, Oddy has high hopes for the future development of the AIHL and ice hockey in Australia. “A lot of people said this league couldn’t survive,” Oddy said. “Not only has it survived but it’s growing at rapid rates. Rinks are full. Awareness is growing. The level of imports continues to rise. We have some great young kids coming through. The product on the ice is as strong as ever. All teams are competitive and that’s reflective in the standings right now.” And what does the future hold? “Games on free to air TV would be huge,” Oddy started. “Expanding into other markets like NZ and getting the Gold Coast back; new facilities in some markets is a must - Adelaide being one of them. I’d like to see the finals format evolve. Teams that finish at the top after the regular season need to be rewarded more. I’d love to see a players association get off the ground. The players are the leagues biggest assets so it’s important they are represented and have a voice. This is only going to make the league better.” When it comes to his personal playing future, Oddy said it’s all about how his body feels. Turning only 34 earlier this week and with many players playing well into their 40’s, Oddy could have a few more years in the tank. “I’m really enjoying playing at the moment,” Oddy said. “But I want to be able to play at a certain level. If I can’t meet the standards I set myself then that’ll be the time to go, and it really depends on how long this body can hold up. How many more years? Lets just say I’m closer to the end of my career than the start…that’s what my wife tells me daily.” Greg Oddy will play in his 300th game on Sunday against the Sydney Bears at the Ice Arena in Thebarton. |
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Contact Information
Australian Ice Hockey League Ltd
Level 1
7 Lonsdale Street
Braddon, Australian Capital Territory
2612 Australia
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