The mission of the PHATS/SPHEM is to provide educational and problem solving opportunities for athletic trainers and equipment managers at every level of professional hockey. Currently, PHATS/SPHEM boasts over 500 members, who represent more than 100 Professional, NCAA and Canadian Hockey League teams in 17 leagues from across North America and Europe including the NHL, AHL, ECHL, CHL, SPHL, NCAA, OHL, WHL, QMJHL and USHL.
Each year PHATS/SPHEM honours one member of PHATS or SPHEM for contribution and service by being inducted into the PHATS/SPHEM Wall of Honour, located in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario.
Although he works behind the scenes with the Edmonton Oilers training staff, Joey Moss is one of the organization's most well-known and beloved members. Brought to the attention of the Oilers by Wayne Gretzky, 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, born with Down's syndrome, can 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 looks 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 has always been a huge part of the Edmonton Oilers dressing room," said Head Equipment Manager Jeff Lang. "Every day Joey brings his smile and brightens the room with his presence and wit. We are very lucky to have him as part of our organization and we congratulate him on being recognized."
On May 29, 2015, Joey was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame to honour his contributions and dedication to both the Edmonton Oilers, as well as the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League.
