RELEASE: Oilers statement on the passing of Joey Moss

EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers organization is extremely saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, the legendary Joey Moss.

“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. 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.” – Edmonton Oilers Head Equipment Manager Jeff Lang

“On behalf of all the players who had the honour to get to know him, we are so saddened to hear the news of Joey’s passing. 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.” – Wayne Gretzky

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Although he worked behind the scenes with the Edmonton Oilers training staff, Joey Moss is one of the organization’s most well-known and beloved members. 

Joey has endeared himself to the players, coaches, staff and fans of the Oilers since he began working in the team’s dressing room in 1984-85. Joey came to the Oilers from an amazing and loving family and was the 12th of 13 children. Joey was born with Down’s syndrome and since starting with the Oilers, he quickly became the backbone of the organization.

Joey could always be seen helping the other members of the Oilers training staff on a daily basis from the start of training camp until the final whistle each spring. Among his many duties, Joey looked after the cleaning of the dressing room, team laundry, the handling of towels and water for games and practices and the distribution of equipment. Joey also became an inspiration to the many current and former Edmonton Oilers due to his upbeat attitude, work ethic and sense of humour and his wonderful smile. He bonded with many Oilers players and staff over the years, staying overnight at their houses, watching wrestling and eating hamburgers.

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Joey was an integral part of the Oilers and was a key member of four of the five Stanley Cup championship seasons. During games, Joey was always found in his customary seat behind the Oilers bench, where he belted out the loudest and proudest version of O Canada prior to every home game.

Each season, the Oilers conclude training camp with the presentation of the Joey Moss Cup to the winners of the annual intra-squad game. The tournament began over a decade ago as an evaluation tool for the coaching staff, and has evolved into a charitable fundraiser. While this is just one of the fundraisers Joey is the face of, he has also played a large role in several other community events and fundraising initiatives, raising millions of dollars in his name for worthy causes. 

On June 16, 2017, the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society (PHATS) and Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers (SPHEM) honoured Joey at their annual meetings, for his outstanding service and contributions to the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club. 

Joey was inducted to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame on May 29, 2015, to honour his contributions and dedication made to both the Edmonton Oilers, as well as the Edmonton Football Team in the Canadian Football League.

Video: CGY@EDM: Joey Moss drops opening puck at Rogers Place

The City of Edmonton awarded Joey the Mayor’s Award in 2007, in recognition of the Oilers organization’s commitment to persons with disabilities.

Prior to the 2003 NHL All-Star Game in Florida, Wayne Gretzky presented Joey with the NHL Alumni Association’s “Seventh Man Award”. The award is presented by the NHL Alumni Association to NHL members “whose behind-the-scene efforts make a difference in the lives of others”. 

Outside the dressing room, Joey has lent his name and support to “Joey’s Home”, an assisted-living home for individuals with developmental disabilities overseen by the Winnifred Stewart Association.

Joey’s talents were not confined to just the hockey rink, as he served with the Edmonton Football Team training staff during the summers since the 1986 Canadian Football League season.

He will be dearly missed. Once an Oiler, always an Oiler. Our friend, Joey Moss.