I never had the opportunity to meet Joey Moss.
But from 1984 on, I sure knew who he was!
He worked in the Oilers dressing room, starting in the same year as the Stanley Cup dynasty.
And Joey kept that position, as well as well as a similar one with the Edmonton Football Team, for over three decades.
And it always seemed to me, even in the mid-80s when I was in my teen years and just starting to figure out how to manage life with challenges, that he never let his own challenges get in the way of doing the work that he loved.
Or enjoying his life to the absolute fullest.
He had one very good (and perhaps best) friend.
Who just happened to be the best hockey player in the world.
And he had support from his large and loving family.
And Joey's teammates and coworkers from Edmonton's two most storied teams had his back too.
Joey was definitely a part of the Oilers story, and the Football Team's story.
The city of Edmonton's story, really.
All it took, according to reports, was dedicated work that he loved, a hug and a high five, usually shared with teammates, whether after a win or a loss.
Throughout his career, Joey was honoured by both teams.
The NHL honoured him with its "Seventh Man" award.
The Alberta Sports Hall Of Fame celebrated him as well.
The Winnifred Stewart Association, which assisted him in living his life fully despite his Down's Syndrome challenges, named all their Edmonton group homes "Joey's Homes".
How did all this goodwill and good fortune come to Joey?
Simply by being himself.
I can tell you that as a teenager in the mid-80s, there was a lesson for me there.
And that as an almost middle-aged adult now, the lesson is there still.
There is also hope.
For all of us, whatever our challenges.
If we are able to recognize our gifts, and use them.
Rest in peace Joey.
Thank you for being an inspiration.
You did good.
Wherever you may be, I hope you are joyfully belting out our anthem with Mr. Paul Lorieau.
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