Defenceman Kevin Lowe was a pillar in the building of the Edmonton Oilers into a Stanley Cup champion. He was a solid positional player in his own zone, a team leader, and an astute playmaker on offense. His leadership on and off the ice was a major component of Cup championships in both Edmonton and New York.
Born in Lachute, Quebec, Lowe starred for three seasons with the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts. He was selected 21st overall by the Edmonton Oilers at the 1979 Entry Draft after being named to the league's second all-star team two straight seasons. Beginning in 1979-80, Lowe's solid two-way play and articulate leadership in the dressing room was a factor in the team's success for 13 years.
His mobility, defensive hockey sense, and puck handling skills made him an asset on a club that won five Stanley Cups in seven years beginning in 1983-84. He also represented Canada at the 1982 World Championships and the 1984 Canada Cup. His savvy and leadership were important to the club, especially in the wake of losing such stars as Paul Coffey, Wayne Gretzky, and eventually Mark Messier. His immense work in the community was acknowledged in 1990 when he won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and was named the NHL's Man-of-the-Year. Lowe was also selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game seven times beginning in 1984.
The veteran rearguard was traded to the New York Rangers in December 1992. His steady work was a major factor in the team's first Stanley Cup win in 54 years, in 1994. Lowe rejoined Edmonton prior to the 1996-97 then brought his fine career to a close early the next year.
Prior to the 1998-99 season, Lowe returned to Edmonton as an assistant to head coach Ron Low. The next summer, he succeeded the departed Low as the Oilers' head coach. On June 9, 2000, Lowe followed in Glen Sather's footsteps when he was named the Oilers' general manager.
Internationally, Lowe assisted Canada's national hockey teams at a number of events. He was a member of the management team of the gold medal-winning Canadian side at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2006, and was also a named a manager for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey team.
