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Kevin Lowe
Kevin Lowe
Kevin Lowe
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Kevin Hugh Lowe (born April 15, 1959) is a Canadian professional ice hockey executive, former coach and former player. Lowe was the vice-chairman of Oilers Entertainment Group until his retirement on August 2, 2022, having formerly served as head coach and then general manager of the Edmonton Oilers.[1] As a defenceman, he played for the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers from 1979 to 1998.

Key Information

Over his career, Lowe won the Stanley Cup six times. In 1990, he was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 and named to the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2021.

Background and early career

[edit]

In 1976 Lowe joined the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. An Anglophone, he learned French as the team used it, and in 1978 was named captain, the first English captain in team history.[2] Over 201 games with the Remparts Lowe scored 42 goals and 131 assists for 173 points, along with 245 PIM. At one point he was in negotiations with the Birmingham Bulls of the World Hockey Association (WHA), but was reluctant to join them, and when it was announced the Bulls would not join the NHL the point was moot.[3]

He was drafted in the first round, 21st overall, of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, the franchise's first NHL draft selection.

NHL playing career

[edit]

Lowe played 13 full seasons in his first stint with the Oilers and helped lead them to five Stanley Cup championships.

During his time with the Oilers, he was the main narrator of The Boys on the Bus, journalist Bob McKeown's 1987 documentary film about the team.[4]

During the Oilers' run to the 1988 Stanley Cup, Lowe played with a broken wrist and a full cast, a potential explanation for his point totals (0-2-2 in 19 games), yet he didn't miss a single playoff game. On the night the Oilers won the Cup, Wayne Gretzky informed the media that Lowe was also hiding broken ribs throughout the playoffs.[5]

Lowe became team captain for the 1991–92 season after Mark Messier was traded to the New York Rangers. Leading the Oilers to an ugly 1-5-1 start in early October, the team finished with a 36-34-10 record.

The Oilers traded him to the New York Rangers, in December 1992 (Lowe was a restricted free agent). In 1994, he won the Stanley Cup with six other ex-Oilers—Glenn Anderson, Jeff Beukeboom, Adam Graves, Craig MacTavish, Mark Messier, and Esa Tikkanen—bringing his total to six.

In 1996, he re-joined the Oilers as a free agent and played another full season. He started the 1997–98 season with the Oilers as well but only played 7 games before being forced to retire due to an inner-ear virus that affected his balance.

In total, Lowe played in 1254 career regular season games, scoring 84–347–431 with 1498 penalty minutes. He added another 214 playoff games, scoring 10–48–58 and earning 192 penalty minutes.

Lowe played more regular season and playoff games in an Oilers uniform than anyone in franchise history (1037 and 172). He was the team's first-ever NHL draft pick and scored their first NHL goal (a power play goal against the Chicago Blackhawks assisted by Wayne Gretzky and Brett Callighen; Gretzky's first NHL point). Many, including Gretzky himself,[6] believe the Great One tipped the puck on its way to the net. During his professional hockey career, Lowe did not play a single game in the minor leagues, and his teams only once failed to make the playoffs.[7]

Lowe was named to play in the NHL All-Star Game in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1993. He also won the league's King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 1990.[8]

Post playing career

[edit]

Lowe joined the Oilers staff in 1998 as an assistant coach. In 1999, he took over head coaching duties from Ron Low. He was head coach for just a single season, winning 32 out of 82 games (32-26-16-8), and getting the Oilers to the first round of the playoffs where they fell to the Dallas Stars in five games. He was promoted to general manager of the Oilers in 2000 when long-time GM Glen Sather left for the New York Rangers. He remained the Oilers' Executive Vice President and General Manager until the 2008–09 season when he was promoted to President of Hockey Operations.

Lowe has also been responsible for assisting Canadian national hockey teams. He was a member of the management team for the Canadian men's ice hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics that won the gold medal and was also named a manager for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey team. In addition, he has managed Team Canada at World Hockey Championships.

In 2005, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League created the Kevin Lowe Trophy (Trophée Kevin Lowe), awarded annually to the player in the QMJHL judged to be the best defensive defenceman.

In the 2006–2007 NHL offseason, Lowe offered contracts to restricted free agents Thomas Vanek, which was matched by the Buffalo Sabres, then to Anaheim forward Dustin Penner, which was signed. Following the offer sheet to Penner, Brian Burke, then-GM of the Anaheim Ducks, publicly blamed Lowe for inflation in player salaries, accusing Lowe of "colossal stupidity."[9] Then head coach Craig MacTavish responded by referring Burke to the Wizard of Oz, "You comb his hair, put a white shirt on, wheel him out in front of the camera and he'll say whatever you guys want."[10][9] Lowe did not respond to Burke's attacks until July 4, 2008, on a local radio show, Total Sports with Bob Stauffer, calling Burke a "moron" and "a media junkie."[11][12]

Lowe's No. 4 was not retired by the Oilers until 2021;[13] he had been the only player in the Oilers' NHL history to wear No. 4 until he issued it to Taylor Hall, the Oilers' first-overall draft pick in 2010. Kris Russell wore No. 4 for the Oilers as well until the beginning of the 2021-2022 season.

In 2021, Lowe was appointed to the board of directors for Play On! Canada. Play On! Canada is the world's largest road hockey tournament.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Lowe was the fourth child of Clifford and Jessie Lowe (after Carol, Nancy, and Ken).[15] The Lowe family operated a dairy in Lachute, Quebec, and were one of the few English Catholic families in the region, with most people being francophones. Clifford was involved in operating a local hockey rink, so his children skated there from an early age, with Lowe starting when he was 3 years old.[16]

His brother Kenneth later worked as the Head Medical Trainer of the Oilers. He is married to Canadian Olympian Karen Percy and is the father of defenceman Keegan Lowe, who was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round, 73rd overall of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Kevin is an uncle of Melissa Lowe, a Canadian bobsleigh athlete.[17]

Awards and achievements

[edit]

Lowe was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020.[18] Primarily a defensive defenceman during his playing career, Lowe was the first defensive defenceman named to the Hall since Rod Langway in 2002.[18] Lowe was the final member of the Oilers' "Group of Seven" to be inducted into the Hall.[19]

On February 26, 2021, Lowe was named to the Order of Hockey in Canada by Hockey Canada, in recognition of his career and contribution to the game in Canada.[20]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1976–77 Quebec Remparts QMJHL 69 3 19 22 26 14 0 3 3 4
1977–78 Quebec Remparts QMJHL 64 13 52 65 81 4 1 2 3 6
1978–79 Quebec Remparts QMJHL 68 26 60 86 120 6 1 7 8 36
1979–80 Edmonton Oilers NHL 64 2 19 21 70 3 0 1 1 0
1980–81 Edmonton Oilers NHL 79 10 24 34 94 9 0 2 2 11
1981–82 Edmonton Oilers NHL 80 9 31 40 63 5 0 3 3 0
1982–83 Edmonton Oilers NHL 80 6 34 40 43 16 1 8 9 10
1983–84 Edmonton Oilers NHL 80 4 42 46 59 19 3 7 10 16
1984–85 Edmonton Oilers NHL 80 4 21 25 104 16 0 5 5 8
1985–86 Edmonton Oilers NHL 74 2 16 18 90 10 1 3 4 15
1986–87 Edmonton Oilers NHL 77 8 29 37 94 21 2 4 6 22
1987–88 Edmonton Oilers NHL 70 9 15 24 89 19 0 2 2 26
1988–89 Edmonton Oilers NHL 76 7 18 25 98 7 1 2 3 4
1989–90 Edmonton Oilers NHL 78 7 26 33 140 20 0 2 2 10
1990–91 Edmonton Oilers NHL 73 3 13 16 113 14 1 1 2 14
1991–92 Edmonton Oilers NHL 55 2 8 10 107 11 0 3 3 16
1992–93 New York Rangers NHL 49 3 12 15 58 — — — — —
1993–94 New York Rangers NHL 71 5 14 19 70 22 1 0 1 20
1994–95 New York Rangers NHL 44 1 7 8 58 10 0 1 1 12
1995–96 New York Rangers NHL 53 1 5 6 76 10 0 4 4 4
1996–97 Edmonton Oilers NHL 64 1 13 14 50 1 0 0 0 0
1997–98 Edmonton Oilers NHL 7 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4
NHL totals 1,254 84 347 431 1,498 214 10 48 58 192

International

[edit]
Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM
1982 Canada WC 9 1 1 2 2
1984 Canada CC 7 0 4 4 8
Senior totals 16 1 5 6 10

Coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Post season
G W L T OTL Pts Finish W L Win % Result
Edmonton Oilers 1999–00 82 32 26 16 8 88 2nd in Northwest 1 4 .200 Lost in first round (DAL)

Awards

[edit]
Award Year(s)
Stanley Cup champion 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1990 (Edmonton), 1994 (NY Rangers)
NHL All-Star Game 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993
King Clancy Memorial Trophy 1990

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kevin Lowe

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from Grokipedia
Kevin Lowe (born April 15, 1959) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and executive, renowned for his pivotal role in the Edmonton Oilers' dynasty of the 1980s and his six Stanley Cup championships as a player. Lowe was selected 21st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, becoming the first player ever chosen by the franchise in the NHL draft, and made his league debut that October, scoring the Oilers' inaugural NHL goal. Over a 19-season NHL career spanning 1,254 regular-season games primarily with Edmonton (1979–1992, 1996–1998) and the New York Rangers (1992–1996), he recorded 431 points (84 goals, 347 assists) and a plus-260 rating while accumulating 1,498 penalty minutes, establishing himself as a reliable, shutdown defender. His playing accolades include seven NHL All-Star Game selections (1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993) and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 1990 for his leadership and humanitarian contributions. As a key member of the Oilers' dominant era, Lowe contributed to five Stanley Cup victories with Edmonton in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990, and added a sixth with the Rangers in 1994, tying him for the second-most Cups won by a player in NHL history. Transitioning to management after retiring in 1998, he served as Edmonton's assistant coach (1998–1999), head coach (1999–2000), general manager (2000–2008), president of hockey operations (2008–2015), and vice chairman of the Oilers Entertainment Group (2015–2022), while also contributing to Canada's gold-medal-winning team as a manager at the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey; he currently serves as an ambassador for OEG Sports & Entertainment and governor of the Edmonton Oil Kings. In 2021, Lowe was inducted into the Order of Hockey in Canada. Lowe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 in the player category, recognizing his enduring impact on the sport.

Early Life and Junior Career

Family and Background

Kevin Lowe was born on April 15, 1959, in , , as the fourth child of Clifford and Jessie Lowe. The Lowe family operated Lowe's Dairy in the rural community of , a business purchased by Clifford and his uncles in 1945 that employed the seven Lowe brothers, their parents, and extended relatives. This dairy environment profoundly influenced Lowe's upbringing, fostering a rigorous through early responsibilities such as collecting trash and delivering milk starting at age five, in a setting his father described as having "no place for sissies." Lowe's older brother, Ken, further exemplified the family's deep connections to professional hockey by serving as the head athletic therapist for the from 1989 to 2010, contributing to over 1,500 regular-season games and the 1990 championship. From a young age, Lowe gained early exposure to hockey on the full-sized artificial adjacent to the family dairy—Lachute's first such facility, sponsored by the local Lions Club—where his father brought him to skate as early as three years old, supported by familial encouragement that emphasized hard work and passion for the sport. This rural foundation and family backing paved the way for pursuing enhanced opportunities in hockey.

Junior Hockey Achievements

Kevin Lowe, born and raised in , , developed a strong foundation for his hockey passion through his early experiences in the sport before entering major junior. Lowe began his major junior career in 1976 with the of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he quickly adapted to the competitive level as an Anglophone player in a predominantly French-speaking environment. Over three seasons from 1976 to 1979, he evolved from a defensive-minded into a key offensive contributor on the blue line, recording 42 goals and 131 assists for 173 points in 201 regular-season games, along with 245 penalty minutes. In his debut 1976–77 season, Lowe posted modest production with 3 goals and 19 assists in 69 games, focusing primarily on defensive responsibilities. He showed marked improvement the following year, 1977–78, with 13 goals and 52 assists for 65 points in 64 games. Lowe's development peaked during the 1978–79 season, when he led all QMJHL defensemen in scoring with 26 goals and 60 assists for 86 points in 68 games, earning selection to the QMJHL Second All-Star Team and establishing himself as one of the league's top blueliners. That same year, at age 19, he was named the Remparts' captain—the first English-speaking captain in QMJHL history—underscoring his emerging leadership on a team based in Quebec City. His standout junior performance paved the way for his selection in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, where the Edmonton Oilers chose him 21st overall in the first round, marking the franchise's first-ever NHL draft pick. This achievement concluded Lowe's junior tenure and signaled his readiness for professional hockey.

Professional Playing Career

Edmonton Oilers Tenure (1979–1993)

Kevin Lowe made his NHL debut on October 10, 1979, in the ' inaugural regular-season game against the Chicago Black Hawks at , where he scored the franchise's first-ever NHL goal on a assisted by and Brett Callighen. As a 20-year-old defenseman drafted 21st overall by the Oilers in 1979, Lowe quickly established himself as a reliable stay-at-home presence on the blue line, logging heavy minutes in a young transitioning from the WHA and contributing 21 points (2 goals, 19 assists) in 64 games during his debut 1979-80 season. Over his first 14 seasons with the Oilers from 1979 to 1993, Lowe played a pivotal role in the team's transformation into an NHL dynasty, anchoring the defense during five championships in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. He was renowned for his leadership on the penalty kill, often pairing with offensive dynamo to balance Edmonton's high-powered attack led by Gretzky and , while ensuring defensive stability against top opponents. In 966 regular-season games with during this period, Lowe amassed 369 points (73 goals, 296 assists), with his most productive offensive output coming in the 1983-84 -winning season, where he recorded 46 points (4 goals, 42 assists) in 80 games. His understated style emphasized physical play, shot-blocking, and positional awareness, allowing the Oilers' forwards to thrive while he handled shutdown assignments. Lowe's leadership evolved steadily, drawing from his junior hockey experience as captain of the to prepare him for NHL responsibilities. He served as an alternate captain starting in the 1986-87 season after Lee Fogolin's trade, holding the role through the 1987-88 win and resuming it in later years, before becoming the full captain for the 1991-92 season following Messier's departure. As a foundational member of the Oilers' core, Lowe appeared in all five championship runs, logging 175 playoff games and contributing to the team's unprecedented dominance with his steady, team-first approach.

New York Rangers Stint (1993–1996)

Kevin Lowe joined the via trade from the on December 11, 1992, in exchange for forward Roman Oksiuta and the Rangers' third-round pick in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft (used to select Alexander Kerch). Although the deal occurred late in the 1992-93 season, Lowe quickly integrated as a top-four defenseman, providing steady defensive play and leadership to a Rangers team building toward contention under coach . His prior experience from five championships with Edmonton aided the team's poise in high-stakes situations. Lowe played a pivotal role in the Rangers' 1993-94 victory, his sixth overall and first with New York after 54 years without a title. In the regular season, he contributed 5 goals and 14 assists in 71 games, focusing on defensive responsibilities while logging heavy minutes on the blue line. During the , Lowe appeared in all 22 games, recording 1 goal and emphasizing shutdown coverage against top opponents, including in against the . As a veteran presence, he mentored younger defensemen like , helping instill a winning mentality amid the pressure of ending the Rangers' long drought. Throughout his Rangers tenure from 1992 to 1996, Lowe tallied 10 goals and 38 assists in 217 regular-season games, prioritizing penalty killing and physical play over offensive production. He faced challenges, including a foot injury that sidelined him during parts of the 1993-94 early season and a strain in 1996 that limited his availability. Despite adapting to the intense atmosphere of , where fan expectations amplified every shift, Lowe maintained his reputation as a reliable shutdown defenseman, pairing effectively with players like to anchor the back end.

Return to Edmonton and Retirement (1996–1998)

After spending four seasons with the New York Rangers, including a Stanley Cup victory in 1994, Kevin Lowe returned to the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent on September 28, 1996, to offer veteran leadership to a young roster. In the 1996–97 season, Lowe reclaimed his familiar No. 4 jersey and appeared in 64 regular-season games for Edmonton, recording 1 goal and 13 assists while providing steady defensive play and guidance to teammates. His presence helped boost team morale during a playoff push, as the Oilers qualified for the postseason for the first time since 1992, ultimately falling in the first round to the Dallas Stars. Lowe's role shifted further in the 1997–98 season, where he served primarily as a mentor amid health challenges, including an inner-ear virus that limited him to just 7 games with no points. The Oilers again reached the playoffs under his influential leadership, defeating the Colorado Avalanche in the first round before losing to the Dallas Stars in the conference semifinals, marking an emotional capstone to his on-ice contributions in Edmonton. Lowe officially announced his retirement from playing on July 30, 1998, concluding a distinguished career. Over 19 NHL seasons with the Oilers and Rangers, Lowe amassed 1,254 regular-season games, 84 goals, 347 assists, and 1,498 penalty minutes.

International Representation

World Championships Participation

Kevin Lowe represented at the IIHF World Championships on one occasion, making his international debut at the 1982 tournament held in , where the team secured a , including a 9–2 victory over the host nation in the opening game. Selected for the squad due to his established defensive prowess with the in the NHL, Lowe was valued for his physical play and reliability in high-stakes situations during this pre-Olympic era of international competition, when NHL players commonly participated in the annual event to represent their nation. In nine games at the 1982 IIHF World Championship, Lowe contributed offensively with one goal and one assist for two points, while accumulating two penalty minutes, reflecting his primary emphasis on defensive duties rather than scoring. As a shutdown defenseman, he focused on neutralizing top European forwards, aiding Canada's physical style and contributing to the penalty kill units amid the tournament's international rules and opponents. Lowe's overall performance in World Championships play underscored his limited offensive output—totaling just two points across his appearances—while highlighting his role in bolstering Canada's defensive structure against skilled international competition. This single tournament appearance exemplified his value as a NHL defender brought in to provide stability and experience to the national team.

Canada Cup and Other Tournaments

Kevin Lowe represented Canada in the prestigious , serving as a key defenseman on the gold medal-winning team. In seven games, he recorded zero goals and four assists, contributing to Canada's championship-clinching victory over in the best-of-three final series. Paired alongside elite defensemen like , Lowe exemplified defensive reliability in high-stakes matchups, helping anchor the blue line during Canada's dominant performance. Lowe's involvement in the was limited due to injury, preventing him from participating despite his status as a international defender; Canada ultimately earned silver that year. Throughout his playing tenure in best-on-best tournaments, Lowe's physical style stood out, with his shot-blocking and prowess providing crucial support in pressure-packed games that underscored 's era of international dominance. After retiring as a player, Lowe transitioned to management roles with Team Canada, serving as assistant executive director for the gold medal-winning squad at the in . He continued in this capacity for the , where Canada claimed victory under his contributions to player selection and team operations.

Post-Playing Professional Roles

Coaching Positions

Following his retirement as a player in 1998, Kevin Lowe transitioned immediately to the ' coaching staff, drawing on his extensive experience as a defensive leader during his . Lowe served as an assistant coach under head coach for the 1998–1999 NHL season, contributing to the team's operations during a period of roster rebuilding. In the summer of 1999, after Ron Low's departure, Lowe was promoted to for the 1999–2000 season, his only full year in the role. Under his , the Oilers compiled a regular-season record of 32 wins, 26 losses, 16 ties, and 8 overtime losses, accumulating 88 points and finishing second in the Northwest Division, which earned them a playoff berth where they advanced to the Western Conference Quarterfinals before elimination. Lowe's overall head coaching record with the Oilers stood at 32–26–16–8 across 82 games, with no additional full seasons completed in the position. At the conclusion of the 1999–2000 campaign, he resigned as in June 2000 amid negotiations over his future role within the organization, ultimately remaining with the team in a different capacity.

Executive Leadership and Management

Kevin Lowe served as the general manager of the from 2000 to 2008, succeeding after a brief stint as . During this period, he navigated the introduction of the following the 2004–05 lockout, earning praise for strategic asset management that kept the team competitive in the early cap era. Key moves included the March 2006 trade deadline acquisitions of defenseman from the and goaltender from the , bolstering the roster for a surprising run to the Final, where the Oilers lost in seven games to the . The team achieved three playoff appearances under his leadership, ranking 13th in league wins overall. However, Lowe faced criticism for draft selections, such as the 2002 first-round pick of Jesse Niinimäki, who never played for the organization and later admitted to personal issues that derailed his career. In 2008, Lowe transitioned to President of Hockey Operations, a role he held until 2015, overseeing a shift toward youth development and change amid prolonged playoff absences. He appointed Steve Tambellini as and emphasized building through the draft, including the selection of future stars like in 2008, though the team endured a decade-long playoff drought from 2007 to 2016. Lowe's tenure saw efforts to integrate scouting with emerging analytical approaches to player evaluation, aiming to accelerate the development of prospects during a rebuilding phase. He stepped down in April 2015 as part of a front-office , with the Oilers having missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons. Following his presidential role, Lowe served as Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor of the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) until his retirement on August 2, 2022, after over 40 years with the organization. In this capacity, he contributed to business operations, including the development of , Edmonton's downtown arena that opened in 2016 and became a hub for hockey and entertainment. His executive experience, informed by prior coaching roles, shaped decisions on team strategy and infrastructure investments. Lowe also held prominent positions in international hockey management, serving as assistant executive director for Canada's team, which earned silver, and as part of the management group for the gold-medal-winning 2002 Olympic team in . He continued in these roles as assistant executive director for the 2006 Olympics (silver medal) and member of the management group for the gold-medal-winning and Olympic teams, as well as general manager for the bronze-medal-winning Canadian team at the . These roles highlighted his influence on assembling competitive national squads, contributing to Canada's Olympic success after a 50-year drought.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Kevin Lowe married Canadian Olympic skier Karen Percy in the summer of 1990 in . Both shared athletic backgrounds—Lowe as a professional hockey player and Percy as a two-time Olympic bronze medalist in downhill and at the Games—which fostered a mutual understanding of the demands of elite . Percy provided support during Lowe's career transitions, including his move to the in 1993 and subsequent return to the in 1996, as the couple navigated life between and New York. The couple has four children, including son Keegan Lowe, born on March 29, 1993. Lowe also has a son, Shane, from a previous relationship. Keegan followed in his father's footsteps as a defenseman, drafted in the third round (73rd overall) by the in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the on April 9, 2015, and played 50 career games with the and . He often credited his parents' influence for instilling a strong work ethic and passion for hockey amid a family immersed in the sport. Lowe's extended family includes his older brother Ken Lowe, who served as the head athletic trainer for the from 1989 to 2010 and later as senior coordinator of medical services until 2018, contributing to the team's operations during much of Kevin's professional tenure. Post-retirement, Lowe and his family have resided primarily in , where he balanced executive commitments with the Oilers against family priorities, including time with his children and grandchildren. This home life reflects the shaped by their rural roots on a dairy farm in .

Community Involvement and Legacy

Throughout his career and beyond, Kevin Lowe has been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Community Foundation (EOCF), where he has supported youth hockey initiatives and grassroots programs across , including contributions of $600,000 to minor hockey development in 2022. As honorary chair of the Edmonton Christmas Bureau for over 40 years, Lowe organized fundraisers like Oilers sing-alongs to provide festive dinners and aid to families in need, establishing a benchmark for the team's community engagement. He co-founded the Tee Up For Tots golf tournament in 2000, raising over $15 million for the Stollery Children’s , and has served on boards for the Police Foundation, Swim Drink Fish , and as co-chair of the Capital campaign. In , where Lowe began his hockey journey, the honors his legacy with the Kevin Lowe Trophy, awarded annually to the best defensive defenseman, indirectly supporting youth development in the region. Following his full retirement from executive roles in 2022, Lowe transitioned to the position of Oilers Ambassador, where he continues to advance EOCF initiatives, connect with alumni, fans, and sponsors, and promote community programs. In 2021, he joined the board of directors for Play On! Canada, the world's largest road hockey tournament, to enhance access to the sport for youth and communities. Lowe also engages in speaking opportunities, drawing on his leadership experience to motivate teams and organizations on topics like resilience and team-building. Lowe's enduring legacy in hockey is marked by the retirement of his No. 4 jersey by the on November 5, 2021, during a pre-game ceremony at , honoring his contributions both on and off the ice, with proceeds from the event benefiting local charities like the Zebra Child Protection Centre and North . Often referred to as "Mr. Oiler" for his unparalleled loyalty and role in shaping the franchise's culture during its dynasty era, Lowe's influence extends to mentoring young executives and players through his ambassador work and public reflections, emphasizing hard work and community service without any notable health setbacks interrupting his commitments.

Awards and Honors

Player Accolades

During his 19-season NHL career, Kevin Lowe won six championships as a player, establishing himself as a cornerstone of two dynastic teams. With the , he contributed to victories in 1984, marking the franchise's first NHL title after transitioning from the WHA and defeating the to end their streak of four consecutive championships; in 1985, securing a rematch win over the Islanders and solidifying Edmonton's offensive prowess; in 1987, rebounding from a 1986 Final loss to triumph over the amid personal leadership as an alternate captain; in 1988, dominating the in a sweep-capped series that highlighted the Oilers' depth; and in 1990, defeating the 4–1 in the Final, after falling behind 2–1 following a loss in Game 3, Lowe's final Cup with Edmonton. Later, after being traded to the in 1993, he added a sixth ring in 1994, ending the Rangers' 54-year drought with a dramatic Game 7 victory over the , where his veteran presence stabilized the blue line during the . Lowe's consistent excellence as a defensive defenseman earned him seven NHL selections between 1984 and 1993, spanning his prime years with the Oilers (1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990) and his tenure with the Rangers (1993), underscoring his elite status and reliability in high-stakes settings. In recognition of his exemplary leadership on and off the ice, Lowe received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 1990, awarded to the NHL player demonstrating outstanding humanitarian contributions to their community. This honor highlighted his dedication to causes such as the and support for underprivileged youth, alongside his role in fostering team unity during Edmonton's championship era. Among other player-era recognitions, Lowe was named the NHL Man of the Year in 1989-90 by the , celebrating his character and contributions both in uniform and within the community.

Executive and Lifetime Recognitions

Kevin Lowe was inducted into the in the Player category on , 2020, in recognition of his defensive excellence as a cornerstone of the ' dynasty, where he contributed to five championships (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990) and added a sixth with the in 1994. The induction ceremony, delayed due to the , took place on November 15, 2021, in , where Lowe joined fellow inductees , Marian Hossa, Doug Wilson, Kim St-Pierre, and builder . During his 12-minute speech, Lowe humorously apologized for his hoarse voice, joking that "most of you think I’ve been yelling at refs all my life," before expressing gratitude to his family, including wife Lauren and children, as well as teammates like and , emphasizing the team-oriented nature of his career success. He highlighted his 1,254 regular-season games and 214 playoff appearances, underscoring his role in blocking shots and providing stability on the blue line. In 2021, Lowe received the Order of Hockey in Canada, one of three Distinguished Honourees alongside Bill Hay and , honoring his exemplary lifetime service to the sport through both on-ice achievements and off-ice leadership. The award specifically acknowledged his executive contributions, including serving as assistant to for 's gold-medal-winning team at the , as assistant for the gold at the , and as a member of the management group for the in Torino (where finished fifth). His involvement extended to serving as general manager for 's silver medal at the , as well as winning the as a player and earning a at the 1982 IIHF World Championship, but the honor emphasized his post-playing impact in player development and organizational management with the Oilers. Lowe's executive tenure with the earned internal recognition in 2006 for guiding the team to the Final, a highlight of his time as from 2000 to 2008, where he rebuilt the roster through key trades and drafts amid challenges. This achievement, which included acquiring players like mid-season, contributed to his lifetime accolades by demonstrating sustained leadership in sustaining competitiveness during a transitional era for the franchise. No additional formal recognitions were reported for Lowe between 2023 and 2025 following his retirement from the Oilers' vice-chairman role in August 2022, though his Olympic contributions continue to be cited in discussions of Canada's international hockey legacy.

Career Statistics

NHL Regular Season and Playoffs

Kevin Lowe played 1,254 regular-season games over 19 NHL seasons, primarily as a defenseman for the and , accumulating 84 goals, 347 assists, and 431 points while accruing 1,498 penalty minutes. His career rating stood at +260, reflecting his strong defensive contributions in an era emphasizing physical play. Lowe's peak offensive season came in 1983–84, when he recorded 46 points (4 goals, 42 assists) in 80 games for the Oilers. In the playoffs, Lowe appeared in 214 games, posting 10 goals, 48 assists, and 58 points with 192 penalty minutes, contributing to six Stanley Cup championships—five with (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990) and one with New York (1994). Standout postseason performances included the 1983–84 playoffs, where he tallied 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in 19 games en route to the , and the 1993–94 run, with 1 point (1 goal) in 22 games during the Rangers' championship season. These efforts underscored his reliability in high-stakes situations, often prioritizing shutdown defense over scoring. The following tables detail Lowe's season-by-season statistics, noting his primary team affiliations.

Regular Season

SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-
1979–80Edmonton Oilers6421921703
1980–81Edmonton Oilers7910243494–10
1981–82Edmonton Oilers80931406345
1982–83Edmonton Oilers80634404339
1983–84Edmonton Oilers80442465938
1984–85Edmonton Oilers804212510413
1985–86Edmonton Oilers74216189025
1986–87Edmonton Oilers77829379442
1987–88Edmonton Oilers70915248918
1988–89Edmonton Oilers76718259826
1989–90Edmonton Oilers787263314018
1990–91Edmonton Oilers7331316113–9
1991–92Edmonton Oilers552810107–4
1992–93New York Rangers493121558–2
1993–94New York Rangers7151419704
1994–95New York Rangers4417858–2
1995–96New York Rangers531567620
1996–97Edmonton Oilers641131450–1
1997–98Edmonton Oilers700022–3
Total1,254843474311,498+260
Source: Statistics compiled from Hockey-Reference.com.

SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM
1979–8030110
1980–81902211
1981–8250330
1982–831618910
1983–8419371016
1984–85160558
1985–861013415
1986–872124622
1987–881902226
1988–8971234
1989–902002210
1990–911411214
1991–921103316
1993–942210120
1994–951001112
1995–96100444
1996–9710000
1997–9810004
Total214104858192
Source: Statistics compiled from Hockey-Reference.com.

International Competitions

Kevin Lowe represented in two major international ice hockey tournaments during his playing career, the 1982 IIHF World Championship and the , earning a and a , respectively. In these competitions, Lowe primarily served as a defensive specialist, focusing on containing top opposing forwards and contributing to team defensive structure rather than offensive production. Across his international appearances, Lowe played 16 games, recording 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points, along with 10 penalty minutes. His penalty minutes reflect disciplined play in high-stakes matchups, while his assignments often involved shadowing elite scorers from teams like the and , underscoring his shutdown role. For the 1982 IIHF World Championship in , Lowe appeared in 9 games, scoring 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points and 2 penalty minutes, helping Canada secure bronze with a 2-1 victory over in the medal game after losses to the and in the medal round. In the , he played 7 games with 0 goals and 4 assists for 4 points and 8 penalty minutes, contributing to Canada's win via a 2-0 final victory over following round-robin games against the , , and the .
TournamentYearGPGAPtsPIMMedalKey Opponents and Outcomes
198291122BronzeSoviet Union (L), Czechoslovakia (L), Finland (W, bronze medal); other games vs. Sweden, Austria, West Germany
198470448GoldSweden (W, final), Soviet Union (W, semi), Czechoslovakia (W), United States (W); round-robin format

References

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