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Oilers Legend Joey Moss Passes Away At Age 57 |
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This is an absolutely devastating day for Oil Country. Today it was confirmed by a number of sources that Oilers legend Joey Moss had passed away at the age of 57. Moss, who was born with Down Syndrome has served as the Oilers locker room attendant for more than 30 years.
Some of you outside of the Oilers fanbase might know who Joey Moss was. You may have watched your team face off against Edmonton and seen the camera cut to the Oilers bench where Joey was standing, singing his heart out. It's difficult to explain why Joey was so important to this team, to this city. Please allow me a few moments to talk a bit about Moss's legacy.
As the story goes, back in the year 1984, Wayne Gretzky was dating Joey's older sister Vikki and was highly impressed about the work ethic that Joey showed at a local bottle depot. Gretzky approached then GM Glen Sather about hiring him. Ever since Joey Moss has served as the Oilers locker room attendant, bringing players towels, helping out the equipment manager, and anything else the players needed. It didn't take long for Moss to endear himself to not only each and every member of the Oilers who passed through those halls, but the entire fanbase.
Joey Moss also was hired and during the summer months he served as the locker room attendant for the Edmonton Football Club as well. Joey Moss was synonymous with sports in Edmonton for almost the past four decades.
Joey symbolized everything that fans valued in Edmonton. For years this city has been known as a blue collar town where players for any team that are hard working, never quit, and won't back down when things get tough. Those are the same words that I would use to describe Joey Moss.
One of the defining or most notable moments of Joey Moss likely would have been during the 2006 Cup run. Moss actually delayed a surgery for a hernia in order to ensure that he was there at every game. And there he was, belting out the National Anthem louder than anyone at Rexall.
In 2003 Joey Moss was awarded the NHL Alumni Association's Seventh Man Award in recognition of outstanding service, behind the scenes in the league. Every year, the Oilers host the Joey Moss Cup, an inter-squad game that occurs near the end of training camp. In 2015 Joey Moss was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.
Despite living with Down Syndrome, a genetic disorder, Joey was never seen without a huge smile on his face. He was always there on the bench, high fiving the guys, giving them a pat on the back and rallying them on. It didn't matter what the score of the game was, Joey always brought an energy, a vibrancy with him that never faltered.
Players, coaches, GM's, training staff... since the Oilers first entered the National Hockey League there have been thousands of individuals who have come and gone. The one name who always was there was Joey Moss. Whenever next season does begin, it will be a mixed bag of emotions for Oilers fans; the excitement of a new season, combined with sadness as it will be the first time Joey Moss will not be there; at least physically.
The memory of Joey Moss, everything he did and gave up for this franchise, the laughter he brought and the smiles he helped put on every player, coach, and staff member of the Edmonton Oilers will remain for next season and every season to follow.
We love you Joey and all of Edmonton, Canada, and the NHL will remember you fondly. Once an Oiler, always an Oiler. Rest in peace.
I would love to hear any memories that any of you might have in the comments section. Hopefully we can help each other smile and laugh during this sad day.
Thanks for reading.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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