Hockey has a way of telling the Canadian story and bringing people together across generations, geography, and difference. From backyard rinks to Olympic gold medal moments, it’s more than a sport; it’s a shared language of pride, resilience, and belonging. For Chris Oddleifson, that connection isn’t abstract. As a former NHL centre and captain of the Vancouver Canucks in the 1970s, his career unfolded during a defining era of Canadian hockey, when the game became a powerful expression of national identity.
In this edition of Canadians We Love, Chris reflects on a life shaped by family, teamwork, and a deep pride in being Canadian. From the collective thrill of iconic hockey moments to the family values passed down through generations, his story offers a grounded look at what it means to build a life and a legacy here in Canada.
Chris’s stick-handling Little Me can be found along the walkway at Capilano, not far from his home in Squamish, where he proudly continues to call the West Coast home.
What does “being Canadian” mean to you, personally?
Certainly in the current political landscape of the last year and a half, I’m very proud of being Canadian. We value our independence, our perspective, and the way we show up in the world and wouldn’t want to trade that for anything. We used to own property in the States, but we divested ourselves of that even before this recent turmoil. We went up to the Yukon last year, and it just reminded us that we’ve got so many wonderful places to explore right here in Canada.
Can you share a moment when you felt deeply connected to this country or its people?
I come from a hockey background, so those moments really stand out for me. During the Summit Series in ’72, Paul Henderson’s goal, every Canadian was glued to the TV. We all stood up, beating our chests. It was something special. And then more recently, the 2010 Olympics, with Sidney Crosby scoring the golden goal. I think everybody remembers where they were when that happened. Those are the kinds of moments where you really feel connected to the country.
Is there a part of your story that you think reflects something uniquely Canadian? Or something you could only have accomplished here?
Pursuing hockey, for one. I played professionally from 1972 to 1981, and that was a unique opportunity. At the time, players from Europe were starting to come into the league, but they didn’t always have the same access to professional hockey that we had here in Canada. Beyond hockey, there’s also just the freedom we have and the ability to choose where we live and how we raise our families. We have three children, and they’ve all taken different paths. They’re each living their own version of the Canadian dream, and I think that’s something pretty special.
What values guide how you show up in your community or work, and where did those values come from?
My parents, they came up through a lot. They’d turned the corner of living through the Depression, and my dad served overseas. They were the salt of the earth, and they provided everything for us. My dad worked for the same company before the war and after, right up until his retirement. That’s where I got my foundations, who I am, and what I try to represent. My wife and I are going to be celebrating our 43rd anniversary next month, and I think that coming from a family background like that has allowed me to carry on in a similar way with my own family.
Hockey taught me a lot, too. Not everyone can be a scorer; everybody has to contribute in their own way. I certainly wasn’t a scorer, but the game taught me how to work within a team, within a family. And I think that’s what a lot of Canadians have had to do, especially over the last 15-20 years; we adapt, keep going, and keep moving in the same direction.
If someone reading this is still figuring out their place in Canada, what would you want them to know?
I think Canada welcomes people from all backgrounds, every race, colour, creed. It’s more accepting now than it used to be. My own heritage is Icelandic, and my dad grew up in Winnipeg. Back then, different groups weren’t always treated the same, but I think we’ve come a long way.
If you have a strong foundation with your family and work ethic, I think Canada will serve you well, and you’ll do well here too.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
