Lyle Odelein (born July 21, 1968 in Quill Lake, Saskatchewan Canada) is a hockey player in the National Hockey League. He played junior hockey for the Moose Jaw Warriors. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 7th round (141st overall) in 1986. Odelein signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins on September 2, 2005.
His playing style adapted through his career; primarily used as a defensive defenseman early in his career (as well as an enforcer), but became more of a two-way threat when former Montreal Canadiens coach Jacques Demers used him on the power play.
His brother Selmar Odelein played briefly for the Edmonton Oilers and his brother Lee Odelein played professionally in Europe.
Has played for the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers.
His first NHL goal was a highlight-reel end-to-end rush against Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ed Belfour on December 19, 1991.
The 1993-94 NHL season marked Odelein's career highlight. He scored 11 goals, 29 assists and 40 points, all career highs. As well, he scored a hat trick against St. Louis Blues goalie Jim Hrivnak on March 9, 1994. His 5 assists on February 20, 1994 against the Hartford Whalers, tied a single-game record for Canadiens defenceman held by Doug Harvey.
His 2316 career penalty minutes as of March 2006 place him 28th all-time.
Was named the first captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets before their expansion in the 2000-01 NHL season.
Won Stanley Cup with Montreal Canadiens in 1993.
Has a not-necessarily-friendly rivalry with Matthew Barnaby which began when Odelein was allegedly disrespectful to Barnaby's wife. Barnaby gave Odelein the nickname "Cornelius" (a reference to Planet of the Apes), which has caught on to an extent among Odelein's detractors.
