Joey Moss
Dressing Room Attendant
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 is an integral part of the Oilers and has been with them through four of their five Stanley Cup championship seasons. During games, Joey can be found in his customary seat behind the Oilers' bench, where he belts out the loudest version of "O Canada" prior to every home game.
Each season, the Oilers conclude their training camp with the presentation of the Joey Moss Cup to the winners of the annual intra-squad tournament. The tournament began over a decade ago as an evaluation tool for the coaching staff, and has evolved into a charitable fundraising event for various programs throughout Oil Country.
On May 29, 2015, Joey was inducted to the Alberta Sport's Hall of Fame to honour his contributions and dedication made to both the Edmonton Oilers, as well as the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League.
Prior to the 2003 NHL All-Star Game in Florida, Joey was presented the NHL Alumni Association's "Seventh Man Award" by Gretzky. 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."
On May 17, 2007, Joey accepted the Mayor's Award from City of Edmonton mayor, Stephen Mandel, in recognition of the Oilers commitment to persons with disabilities.
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 are not confined to just the hockey rink, as he has served with the Edmonton Eskimos training staff during the summers since the 1986 Canadian Football League season.