Joey Moss never let disability limit him
Just when we thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse, a kick to the gut surfaced Monday, and then turned upwards, creating a huge lump in our throats before, finally, piercing our collective hearts.
Joey Moss, 57. Taken from us.
Moss became a fixture within the Edmonton Oilers and, in fact, the National Hockey League. His fame didn’t come from playing hockey — rather, for his attitude and work ethic, and he crafted, like only he could, a life so fulfilled, so vibrant, so well lived he didn’t give any allowance to living with Down syndrome.
Hired by the Oilers in 1986 through connections from Wayne Gretzky, Moss became the team’s dressing-room attendant. His vacuuming of the floor became legendary for any who were in the room after games.
On one famous occasion, John Muckler was coaching the Oilers and was standing by the stick rack being interviewed by a sportswriter. Moss was so focused on his job he vacuumed right between Muckler’s legs.
Moss folded towels, did laundry and filled water bottles. It’s incredible that he was inducted to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, a strong beacon signalling his significant contribution.
We also have to pay particular homage and respect to the people around Moss who not only ensured his safety, but occasionally gave him a most gentle nudge to keep him on course.
Lyle Kulchinsky, Kenny Lowe, Sliver Delorery and Barrie Stafford of the Oilers training and equipment brotherhood became like brothers of Moss.
They did everything they could — and more — so Moss could succeed.
So did Dwayne Mandrusiak, who patrolled Commonwealth Stadium’s west sidelines as Edmonton Eskimo equipment manager and brought Moss to work for the football team.
Moss was a role model to so many. Take Mickel McIver in Red Deer, who lives with Down syndrome.
Last year McIver celebrated 20 years as dressing-room attendant for the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League.
If Joey Moss can …
And that brings me to my favourite Moss memory.
One morning, in the late 1980s, a group of young adults were at the Oilers’ morning skate. Arrangements had been made so they could get down and see the Oilers walk off the ice to the dressing room.
They were all there: Gretzky, Messier, Lowe, Furh, Anderson and Kurri.
But those folks standing within feet of the black rubber mat had their eyes fixed — absolutely glued on Moss — and the job he was doing, how focused he was and what an impact he had.
Moss is a hero. It is, indeed, a shame he never realized because of cognitive challenges realize what he meant to so many — hockey fans, or not.
We can honor Joey Moss’ life — and his passing — by fully including people with developmental disabilities as full-fledged teammates.
And, not just spectators.