Oilers' longtime locker room attendant, Joey Moss, dies at 57
The Edmonton Oilers lost a beloved member of their family Monday, as legendary locker room attendant Joey Moss died at age 57.
"Joey was a remarkable person who taught us to love, laugh, and enjoy life always," his family said in a statement. "While Joey is most recognized as the dressing room attendant for the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Football Team, and singing the national anthem; Joey is also remembered for his incredible dance moves and putting a smile on your face when you are feeling down."
Moss, who was born with Down syndrome, had been working with the Oilers since 1984 when Wayne Gretzky asked the team to hire him. Gretzky was dating Moss' sister at the time.
He was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to both the Oilers and Edmonton Football Team.
Many people whose lives were impacted by Moss shared their condolences and heartfelt messages on social media late Monday.
Janet & I are saddened to learn about the passing of Joey Moss. Not only was Joey a fixture in the Edmonton dressing room, he was someone I truly considered a friend. We will miss you Joey and you will always live on through our memories. Our thoughts are with Joey’s loved ones. pic.twitter.com/5ucUQhcWQp
— Wayne Gretzky Estates (@GretzkyEstates) October 27, 2020
The #Oilers organization is extremely saddened by the passing of our dear friend & colleague, the legendary Joey Moss.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 27, 2020
Once an Oiler, always an Oiler.
RIP, Joey. 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/KJSkN9oO9W
The entire EE Football Team organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joey Moss.
— EE Football Team (@EdmFootballTeam) October 27, 2020
Edmonton lost a hero today. Joey’s bravery, humor, strength, work ethic & perseverance in our dressing room & in our community left indelible impressions that will live with us all. pic.twitter.com/8ATs8ckQMS
With the greatest of all-time... and #99. Oil Country sure won’t be the same without you, Joey. Thanks for always brightening up any day and may you rest easy my friend. pic.twitter.com/p7yGRqTdbk
— Connor McDavid (@cmcdavid97) October 27, 2020
Joey Moss lived a remarkable life and was an inspiration to so many. Hard to think of a person in hockey more universally loved, even after he ran over your feet with a vacuum in the Oilers dressing room. Truly Edmonton’s favourite son. Condolences to his family and friends.
— Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN) October 27, 2020
There was nothing better than coming off the ice after a huge win to a Joey Moss high five on the bench. His energy and passion for the game were infectious and made you want to come to the rink everyday. He truly was a legend and will be greatly missed. #RIPJoeyMoss #Legend pic.twitter.com/CBpiuwyyCX
— Cam Talbot (@ctalbot33) October 27, 2020
Heartbreaking to hear about Joey Moss passing away. He is the soul of the @EdmontonOilers. I’ll remember him singing the anthem w/pride, getting fired up about wrestling and always asking if I combed my hair with a pork chop. 💔 My deepest condolences to the Moss family. pic.twitter.com/Ssa0ZBcoSn
— Andrew Ference (@Ferknuckle) October 27, 2020
The best man I’ve ever met. I have so many great memories of our time together and I cherish every single one of them. A true legend. Rest In Peace, Joey. pic.twitter.com/mIdZUKvSdl
— Sam Gagner (@89SGagner) October 27, 2020
Joey you were a special man..this was one of our many dinner parties during the ‘06 playoffs. He always made our day from the second we walked into the locker room..you will be missed by so many everyday. Rest easy Jo Mo ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NmfvI9FKtB
— Jarret Stoll (@jarretstoll) October 27, 2020
Heavy heart today. Had the pleasure of calling you my friend for nine years. Edmonton won’t be the same without you. Love ya Joey. Rest In Peace.
— Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (@RNH_93) October 27, 2020
This was just over a year ago on his birthday. Now news that he's gone. What a life he lived. All those @EdmontonOilers legends and Joey was one of them. #RIPJoey https://t.co/kUoLrk8LYV
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) October 26, 2020
Very sad to hear this. Joey was such a fixture of @EdmontonOilers and always a joy to be around. A life that changed and touched many. RIP Joey. https://t.co/DTzhoGDmfo
— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) October 26, 2020
RIP Joey
— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) October 27, 2020
One of the best people I’ve had the pleasure to be around in hockey pic.twitter.com/nNOuODLmT4
Joey Moss really was the best of this city, working with the passion of a million burning suns for the sports and things he loved and touching too many lives to ever be able to count. #yeg #Yegcc #oilers pic.twitter.com/xNCTqOcKw0
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) October 26, 2020
Every day when I walked into the Oilers dressing room I looked forward to seeing what Joey would say or do. He was the best. Rest easy big guy and enjoy that beer!
— Jason Strudwick (@Jason_Strudwick) October 27, 2020