skip navigation

2011 Wally Odell

Wallace C. Odell, or Wally as he became affectionately known as was involved in grass roots youth hockey development for nearly a decade.  His service to youth and high school hockey in Minnesota is that of a "hockey statesman".

Wally began his service to hockey by serving on two different youth hockey associations in Minnetonka and Wayzata and he was instrumental in getting Wayzata's first indoor arena built. Wally went on to serve at the state level on numerous committees and held several executive positions for Minnesota Hockey.  Mr. Odell served at the National level as a member of the USA Hockey/AHAUS Youth Council.  He was a recipient of the prestigious Don Clark Award in 2005 from Minnesota Hockey for a lifetime of achievement and contribution to the game.

As a liaison to the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association in the 1980s, Wally worked to bring together the successful Maroon & Gold High School All Star Game.  In addition, he was a key figure in organizing Olympic Development Camps between 1978-1995.  Through Wally's efforts hundreds of high school players furthered their development at an elite national level of play.  He also worked to expose numerous high school coaches to the national level of development as well.

Wally's contributions have made life better for kids and he has helped to strengthen Minnesota hockey in the process.