Joey Moss was never a player, but he may have been the most beloved figure in Edmonton Oilers history.
Joey Moss was never a player in the traditional sense of professional hockey, but he became, without a doubt, one of the most beloved and enduring figures in the history of the Edmonton Oilers. His role with the team transcended that of an employee or even a fan; Moss was a symbol of positivity, resilience, and community in a city that thrives on its sports culture. His story is one of inclusion, determination, and an unyielding love for the game of hockey—a game he would come to embody in ways far beyond just being a fan or a member of the staff.
Born in Edmonton in 1963, Joey Moss faced significant challenges from an early age. He was diagnosed with Down syndrome, which meant that many of the conventional paths in life weren’t always open to him. But from the very start, Moss’s life was characterized by a relentless drive to be part of the world around him, and a particular passion for the sport of hockey. He wasn’t simply someone who watched the Oilers from the stands or cheered from a distance—he was deeply embedded within the organization, forging close relationships with players, coaches, and fans alike.
Moss’s connection with the Oilers began in 1984, when he was hired as the team’s locker room attendant. It was a position that may seem peripheral at first glance, but Moss’s impact was anything but. He became a fixture in the Oilers’ dressing room, interacting with players, helping out with various tasks, and bringing a sense of joy and enthusiasm that permeated the entire organization. His infectious smile, sense of humor, and positive attitude made him a beloved member of the team, despite his role not being one that typically garners widespread attention.
One of the most remarkable things about Joey Moss was his ability to connect with everyone, regardless of their stature. Whether it was a young prospect just starting his career in the NHL or a seasoned veteran, Moss treated everyone with equal warmth and respect. His unwavering optimism and kind-hearted nature were constants that helped build a sense of unity and camaraderie in the Oilers’ locker room. Players often spoke about Moss as a member of their extended family—a person who was more than just an employee, but someone who brought joy to their lives.
Moss wasn’t just a locker room attendant, though. He was a part of the very fabric of the team’s identity. His role wasn’t just about doing the work that helped things run smoothly behind the scenes, but about being a bridge between the team and its fanbase. Joey was a regular at the rink, and he became known for his pre-game ritual of singing the Canadian national anthem before home games. His rendition was always heartfelt, and it became a signature moment that fans looked forward to before every game. Moss’s presence, whether on the ice or in the stands, added a unique layer to the team’s culture, making him a beloved figure not just for what he did, but for who he was.
One of Moss’s most famous relationships was with legendary Oilers player Wayne Gretzky. The two shared a bond that went far beyond the game. Gretzky, in particular, took Joey under his wing when he first arrived in Edmonton, and the friendship they formed became one of the most enduring and touching relationships in the history of professional sports. Moss’s connection with Gretzky was symbolic of his relationship with the entire team—he was a part of the Oilers family, someone who was always present in the locker room, in the hallways, and in the community. In a way, Joey Moss embodied the Oilers’ spirit of unity, helping to create an environment where everyone felt welcome and valued.
It wasn’t just the players who appreciated Moss’s presence in the locker room; coaches, executives, and staff members also spoke highly of his contributions to the team. Glen Sather, the former Oilers coach and general manager, often spoke of Moss as an integral part of the organization. He saw Moss’s ability to bring people together and lift spirits as something that couldn’t be quantified in terms of stats or achievements, but it was a quality that had a profound effect on the team’s success. Joey’s role wasn’t something that could be measured in terms of wins and losses—it was about fostering an environment that made the Oilers a family, and Moss played a pivotal role in doing that.
Despite not being a player, Moss’s connection to the team was so strong that he became a symbol of the Oilers’ legacy. Through his unwavering dedication to the team, he became a part of the very DNA of the franchise. Whether it was the high-flying years of the 1980s, when the Oilers won five Stanley Cups in seven years, or the leaner years that followed, Moss remained a constant. Fans saw him at every game, and his presence was a reminder of the team’s enduring spirit.
Over the years, Moss’s influence extended beyond the rink. He became a prominent figure in the Edmonton community, known for his work with charities and his involvement in various local causes. His role as a public ambassador for the Oilers helped bridge the gap between the team and the people of Edmonton. Moss wasn’t just a part of the team during the games; he was also a vital member of the city, contributing to the community in ways that went far beyond hockey. He was someone who people could relate to, and he showed that with determination and passion, you could make a meaningful impact in the world around you.
As much as Moss’s story is about his relationship with the Oilers, it’s also a story of how a sports team can be a powerful force for good in a community. Joey’s journey with the Oilers wasn’t just a career—it was a life. And in many ways, it reflected the power of inclusion. Moss showed that it didn’t matter if you weren’t a player, or if you weren’t the biggest name on the team, as long as you had the heart, dedication, and passion for the game. His story became a symbol of perseverance and inclusion for people with disabilities, and it was a testament to the fact that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
When Moss’s contract with the Oilers was renewed year after year, it wasn’t just about the work he did; it was about the love, the commitment, and the respect he gave to the team. His role wasn’t one that garnered headlines or highlighted on box scores, but in many ways, it was just as crucial to the success of the team. Moss’s legacy is a reminder of how integral unsung heroes can be to a franchise, and how they can elevate the culture of a team in ways that go far beyond the rink.
Moss’s story isn’t just about the Oilers’ glory years, either. He remained a steady presence through the highs and lows of the team’s journey. Even when the team was struggling, when playoff appearances were sparse, and when the Oilers weren’t the dominant force they once were, Joey Moss remained the beating heart of the franchise. His loyalty to the team, and his unwavering belief in the players and the city, made him a living example of the Oilers’ resilience. Moss’s optimism and dedication were constants, and they helped keep the spirit of the Oilers alive even during the toughest times.
The fans of Edmonton also embraced Joey Moss in a way that few athletes or figures in professional sports are ever embraced. He was more than just a face on the team; he was a part of the fabric of the city. His loyalty to the Oilers mirrored the loyalty of the fans, and in turn, the fans saw Moss as one of their own. He wasn’t just someone they cheered for from a distance—he was a person they connected with, someone they admired and respected. He was a symbol of the connection between the team and the people who followed it.
When Joey Moss passed away in 2020, his loss was deeply felt by the Oilers organization, the city of Edmonton, and the entire hockey world. His death marked the end of an era, and the outpouring of grief from both the team and its fans reflected just how much of an impact Moss had on their lives. The Oilers, as well as countless people across Edmonton, took the time to remember Moss not just for the work he did behind the scenes, but for the way he made people feel. Joey Moss’s legacy is one that will live on, not only in the history of the Oilers but in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Moss may never have worn the Oilers’ uniform on the ice, but in many ways, he became the face of the team’s spirit and community. He was proof that sometimes, the most important people in a team’s history are not the ones who score the goals or make the saves—but those who create the environment that allows everyone to succeed. Joey Moss’s impact will forever be etched in the hearts of Oilers fans, and his place in the history of the franchise will never be forgotten.
