By P.J. Kennedy
Since 2009, University of Saskatchewan’s Huskie Hockey Alumni have hosted the highly successful “Off the Leash Luncheon” to raise money for the Men’s Hockey Programme. The event draws its audience from the University and business community, as well as hockey fans from across Saskatchewan. As in the past, this year’s event, featured an eminent guest speaker with significant National Hockey League experience. Former all-star defenceman and six-time Stanley Cup winner Kevin Lowe headlined the event held on 14 November at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park.
Lowe entertained the assembled crowed of over 800 people with stories from his Hall of Fame career which included thirteen seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and five with the New York Rangers. In addition to winning five Stanley Cups with The Oil and a sixth with the Broadway Blueshirts, 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 New York.
Thirteen seasons with the Edmonton` (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 nearly two decade NHL 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 he was also named to the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2021.
On stage for a full performance interviewed by Saskatchewan comic Kelly
Taylor, Lowe recalled numerous elements of his wide-ranging on-ice and off-ice hockey career in a casual and entertaining manner, much to the delight of the crowd. After the formal part of the Luncheon, Lowe spent time meeting attendees one-on-one and signed autographs. Kudos to Lowe for providing the Huskie faithful with an excellent experience at what was the fifteenth “Off The Leash Luncheon” .
As part of the event, legendary former International, NHL, national, and University of Saskatchewan coach Dave King, himself a former Huskie player, was honoured with the Huskie Alumni “Off the Leash Luncheon” Award of Recognition for his years of service to the sport around the world and at his alma mater. The event also allowed introduction of the 2024-25 Huskies and comments from head coach Brandin Cote and captain Justin Ball.
The event was a total success.
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