By Michael P. J. Kennedy, Ph.D.
Since 2009, Huskie Hockey Alumni have hosted the highly successful “Off the Leash Luncheon” to raise money for the Huskie Men’s Hockey Programme. This year’s event, with the support of lead sponsor Wright Construction, will feature former Oiler and Ranger defenceman and Hockey Hall of Fame member Kevin Lowe.
In addition to winning five Stanley Cups with Edmonton and a sixth with New York Rangers, the Thurso, Quebec-born defender was a key part of eight division championships, six conference championships, three President’s Trophy teams with the Oilers, and one President’s Trophy win for the best regular season record with the Broadway Blueshirts.
Thirteen seasons with the Oil (1979-80 to 1991-92) saw him named alternate captain in 1986-87 on a dominant Oil squad before helping the Rangers win the Cup in 1994. He completed his nineteen year playing career returning to Edmonton for the 1996-97 season and seven games in 1997-98.
A defenceman who patrolled the blue line with tough but smart performances game after game, the 1990 winner of the King Clancy Award for leadership and humanitarian contributions to the community, he played more regular season games for Oilers (1,037) than any other player. His NHL totals for both Edmonton and New York, include 1254 NHL games, in which he notched 84 goals, 347 assists, and 431 points along with 1498 penalty minutes. Despite being on so many “offence first” teams, he had an impressive +260 +/- ledger.
The first player chosen in the amateur draft by Edmonton when it entered the NHL in 1979, Lowe was a consummate team man. His return to Oilers at the end of his career was a harbinger of his continued contributions to the Alberta contingent after his playing days. He has served as assistant coach (1998-99), head coach (1999-2000), general manager (2000-2007), president of hockey operations (2008-2015), and, most recently, as vice chairman of Oilers Entertainment Group until his retirement in August 2022.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 and named to the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2021, the first English-speaking captain of Quebec Ramparts Junior Team is married to former Canadian Olympic medalist in alpine skiing, Karen Percy. They have four children; daughters Devyn, Darby, and Karly, and son Keegan.
At this year’s Huskie event, in addition to the meal, members of the 2024-25 Huskie Men’s Hockey team will be introduced with guest speaker Kevin Lowe and long-time “Off the Leash Luncheon” funnyman master of ceremonies Kelly Taylor offering the on-stage entertainment. Lowe’s wealth of NHL experience in in a variety of positions, is sure to be interesting and enjoyable. The 2024 Award of Recognition is also to be presented to former Huskie player and coach and legendary international and NHL coach Dave King who will be in attendance to receive it.
Everyone is welcome to the 2024 “Off The Leash Luncheon” which will be held at Prairieland Park on Thursday, 14 November at 11:30 with doors opening at 11:00. Individual tickets are $125.00 with sponsorships which include tables of eight also available. Contact: ticketsOTLL@gmail.com
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