Longtime Oilers locker room attendant Joey Moss dies

Joey Moss, longtime locker room attendant for the Edmonton Oilers, died Monday. He was 57.

Moss worked for Edmonton since the 1984-85 season, when he was recommended for the position by Wayne Gretzky, and formed bonds with Oilers and NHL players during his tenure.

“On behalf of all the players who had the honor to get to know him, we are so saddened to hear the news of Joey’s passing,” Gretzky said. “We were all lucky enough to be part of his life for a lot of years. His love for life always brought a smile to anyone who met him. Whether it was a coffee before practice or a big hug after a great win or a tough loss, he would put life in perspective. He will be missed but not forgotten. Once an Oiler, always an Oiler. RIP, Joe.”

Moss, who was born with Down syndrome, also worked with the Edmonton Football Team of the Canadian Football League.

“On behalf of the entire Oilers organization, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the Moss family and Joey’s many friends in our community and across North America,” Oilers equipment manager Jeff Lang said. “Joey was an amazing person whose true passion and dedication to the Oilers organization, players and love of the game touched countless members of the hockey community. Joey’s legacy is not only in the locker room but throughout all of Oil Country. He will be forever remembered for the amazing impact he has made on so many people along the way. We will miss you Mosser — a true champion.”

Moss was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.