Ron Low
Ronald Albert Low (born June 21, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and coach, best known for his 13-season career in the National Hockey League (NHL) where he appeared in 382 games across six teams.[1] Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighing 205 pounds (93 kg), Low caught left-handed and compiled a career record of 102 wins, 203 losses, and 38 ties, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 4.22 and a save percentage of .871, including four shutouts.[1] Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the eighth round (103rd overall) of the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, he debuted in the league during the 1972–73 season and played until 1985, suiting up for the Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, Quebec Nordiques, Edmonton Oilers, and New Jersey Devils.[2] Low's playing career highlighted his resilience in expansion-era teams, particularly with the struggling Washington Capitals from 1974 to 1977, where he appeared in 145 games and posted a 4.93 GAA.[2] His most successful on-ice stretch came with the Edmonton Oilers from 1979 to 1983, including a standout 1981–82 season with 17 wins in 29 games alongside emerging stars like Wayne Gretzky, and he earned a selection to the 1980 NHL All-Star Game representing the Nordiques.[1] Earlier in the minors, Low received the Tommy Ivan Trophy as the Central Hockey League's most valuable player in 1978–79 while with the Oklahoma City Stars.[2] Retiring as a player in 1986 after stints in the American Hockey League, Low transitioned to coaching, serving as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers from 1994 to 1999—where he led the team to three playoff appearances, including a Western Conference Finals run in 1997—and the New York Rangers from 2000 to 2002, amassing a 208–243–49 record over 505 NHL games behind the bench (.463 winning percentage).[2] He also worked as a goaltending coach for the Ottawa Senators (2005–2007) and earlier minor-league affiliates like the Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Oilers.[2]Early life
Upbringing and family background
Ronald Albert Low was born on June 21, 1950, in Birtle, Manitoba, Canada.[1][3] Shortly after his birth, Low's family relocated to Foxwarren, a small rural town in southwestern Manitoba, where he spent his formative years.[4] He was raised in Foxwarren by his parents, Jack and Marlene Low, alongside his younger brother, Jon, in a close-knit household that emphasized family bonds. Low's grandparents operated a farm just six miles north of the town, immersing the family in the agricultural rhythms of rural prairie life.[5] The sparse population and vast open spaces of Foxwarren fostered a tight community centered on local traditions, including sports, with the town's outdoor rinks serving as hubs for winter recreation and youth development in hockey. Low's family provided strong support for his athletic pursuits, encouraging participation in community activities that sparked his initial passion for the sport amid Manitoba's harsh winters and hockey-centric culture.[5][6]Junior hockey development
Ron Low began his organized junior hockey career in the 1967–68 season with the Winnipeg Jets of the Western Canada Junior Hockey League (WCJHL), appearing in 16 games as a goaltender and posting a 5.75 goals-against average (GAA).[3][7] He transitioned to the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) for the 1968–69 and 1969–70 seasons, where he solidified his role as the team's primary goaltender.[2][8] With the Kings, Low contributed to back-to-back Manitoba provincial championships in 1969 and 1970, helping the team advance to the western Canada Memorial Cup playoffs each year as the province's representative.[7] In the 1969 Abbott Cup final (western Canada championship), the Kings reached the series but were defeated by the Regina Pats in a seven-game matchup, with Low tending goal in key games including a 4–3 loss in the decisive seventh contest; the Kings did not advance to the Memorial Cup, which was won by the Montreal Junior Canadiens over the Regina Pats.[9] The following year, Dauphin again qualified for the national playoffs, where Low played six games with a 5.32 GAA.[3] Low's goaltending performance improved markedly during his MJHL tenure, as evidenced by his 3.57 GAA over 33 regular-season games in 1969–70, leading all league goaltenders in appearances that season.[3][7] This development, including enhanced puck-handling and positional play honed through high-stakes playoff exposure, earned him recognition as a promising prospect, culminating in his selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the eighth round (103rd overall) of the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft.[2][7]Playing career
Entry into professional hockey
Ron Low was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the eighth round, 103rd overall, of the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft out of the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.[2] Following the draft, he signed his first professional contract with the Maple Leafs organization and began his transition from junior hockey to the professional ranks.[3] Low's initial minor league assignment was with the Jacksonville Rockets of the Eastern Hockey League, a senior professional circuit, where he appeared in 49 games during the 1970-71 season, posting a goals-against average of 5.98.[3] He also made three appearances that season for the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Professional Hockey League, a primary farm team affiliated with Toronto, recording a 4.33 goals-against average in limited action.[2] In the 1971-72 season, Low returned to the Tulsa Oilers for 43 games, achieving a 3.33 goals-against average, and made a single appearance with the Richmond Robins of the American Hockey League, Toronto's top minor league affiliate at the time, where he allowed two goals in one game.[2] Low earned his first call-up to the NHL during the 1972-73 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, making his debut on October 21, 1972, in a 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings at Maple Leaf Gardens, where he stopped 18 of 21 shots.[10] He went on to play 42 games that season, serving as the primary backup to veteran goaltender Jacques Plante and occasionally sharing duties amid Toronto's goaltending needs.[11] In the 1973–74 season, Low spent the year in the minors with the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League, appearing in 56 games.[2]NHL teams and key performances
Low joined the Washington Capitals during their 1974–75 expansion season, where he served as a primary goaltender alongside Michel Belhumeur, facing the rigors of a young franchise in a competitive league.[12] The Capitals struggled immensely that year, winning only eight games amid defensive woes and inexperience, which tested Low's resilience as a backup and occasional starter.[13] A highlight came on February 16, 1975, when Low recorded the franchise's first shutout, stopping 32 shots in a 3–0 win over the Kansas City Scouts at Capital Centre.[12] He continued with Washington through the 1976–77 season, providing steady relief in net for the developing team.[1] On August 17, 1977, Low was traded to the Detroit Red Wings from the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Walt McKechnie, a 1978 third-round draft pick, a 1979 second-round draft pick, and cash.[14] With Detroit in 1977–78, he split duties as a backup to Jim Rutherford, appearing in 32 games while adapting to another rebuilding squad.[1] Following that season, Low spent 1978–79 in the minors with Detroit's affiliate in Kansas City, then was claimed by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1979 NHL Expansion Draft on June 13.[15] He played briefly for Quebec in 1979–80 before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers on March 11, 1980, for forward Ron Chipperfield.[3] In Edmonton from 1979–80 onward, Low embraced a clear backup role behind emerging stars like Grant Fuhr, contributing to the Oilers' transition into NHL contention after their WHA merger, though the team endured early challenges.[1] His stint ended on February 19, 1983, when he was dealt to the New Jersey Devils with defenseman Jim McTaggart for goaltender Lindsay Middlebrook and forward Paul Miller.[16] With the Devils, another expansion franchise relocated from Colorado, Low served as a veteran backup through the 1984–85 season, providing stability amid their growing pains in the Patrick Division.[15] After limited appearances in the minors with New Jersey's affiliate in 1985–86, Low retired from professional hockey at the conclusion of the 1985–86 season.[3]Coaching career
Assistant coaching roles
After retiring as a player in 1986, Low transitioned to coaching in the American Hockey League (AHL) as head coach of the Nova Scotia Oilers during the 1987–88 season, where the team finished with a 35–34–9–2 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs. He returned to the organization the following year with the Cape Breton Oilers in 1988–89, posting a 27–47–6 record and missing the postseason.[2] Low began his NHL assistant coaching career with the Edmonton Oilers from 1989–90 through the 1993–94 seasons, initially under head coach Glen Sather and later John Muckler, where he focused on behind-the-scenes elements such as practice drills and game planning. During the 1989–90 campaign, his contributions as assistant helped the team overcome injuries to key players like Grant Fuhr, leading to a Stanley Cup win against the Boston Bruins. Low's experience as a former goaltender informed his work in developing defensive systems and supporting netminders, aiding the Oilers' transition from dynasty dominance to sustained competitiveness in the early 1990s.[2][17] After a stint as head coach with Edmonton, Low joined the Ottawa Senators in 2005 as goaltending coach, a role he held through the 2006–07 season. In this position, he emphasized player development, particularly refining techniques and mental preparation for young goaltenders like Ray Emery, who posted a .918 save percentage and contributed to the Senators' run to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final. Promoted to full assistant coach for the 2007–08 season, Low assisted head coach John Paddock with overall team strategies, including power-play adjustments and defensive zone coverage, before both were relieved of their duties in February 2008.[17][18][19]Head coaching positions
Ron Low began his NHL head coaching career with the Edmonton Oilers, initially serving as an interim coach for the final 13 games of the 1994–95 season after replacing George Burnett, during which the team posted a 5–7–1 record and missed the playoffs.[20] He was then retained as full-time head coach starting in the 1995–96 season, guiding the Oilers through a period of transition following the departure of key players from their dynasty era.[17] Under Low, the team emphasized a balanced approach, leveraging veterans like Bill Guerin and emerging talents such as Doug Weight to secure playoff berths in three consecutive seasons from 1996–97 to 1998–99, including back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998. In 1996–97, Edmonton finished third in the Pacific Division with a 36–37–9 record and advanced by defeating the Dallas Stars in seven games before falling to the Colorado Avalanche in five; the following year, a similar 35–37–10 mark led to a first-round upset over the Colorado Avalanche in seven games before a Conference Semifinals loss to the Dallas Stars in five. The 1998–99 season saw a second-place divisional finish at 33–37–12, but the Oilers were swept by Dallas in the first round amid roster instability and injuries.[21][22] Low's tenure ended after the 1998–99 playoffs when he declined to return for the 1999–00 season, citing a refusal to accept the same salary as the prior year despite guiding the team to consistent postseason contention on a rebuilding roster.[23] His overall record with Edmonton over four full seasons was 134–155–39, reflecting a .466 winning percentage that highlighted his ability to maximize limited talent but ultimately fell short of championship expectations amid ongoing personnel changes.[20] Following a one-year stint as player development coach and general manager/head coach with the International Hockey League's Houston Aeros in 1999–00, Low was hired by the New York Rangers on July 11, 2000, as their head coach under general manager Glen Sather, with whom he had previously worked in Edmonton.[17][24] Tasked with revitalizing a high-priced roster featuring Mark Messier and Theo Fleury, Low focused on instilling discipline and tightening defensive structures to address the team's chronic playoff drought, which had extended to five years.[25] In his debut 2000–01 season, the Rangers improved marginally to 33–43–5–1 (72 points), finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division but still out of the playoffs, as Low worked to integrate aging stars with younger players like Brian Leetch.[26] The 2001–02 campaign saw further progress with a 36–38–4–4 record (80 points) and another fourth-place divisional finish, marked by improved goaltending from Mike Dunham and a more structured penalty kill, yet the team again missed the postseason despite the NHL's highest payroll of approximately $70 million in base salaries.[27] Low was fired on April 15, 2002, shortly after the season's end, as management sought a fresh voice to end the Rangers' postseason absence amid fan frustration and the weight of high expectations.[28] From 2002 to 2004, Low remained in the organization as a scout. His combined Rangers record stood at 69–81–9–5, underscoring challenges in translating talent into wins during a rebuilding phase.[20][4]Later career and personal life
Scouting and advisory roles
Following his dismissal as head coach of the New York Rangers after the 2001–02 season, Ron Low transitioned to a pro scouting role within the organization, serving from 2002 to 2004. In this capacity, he contributed to the evaluation of professional talent, providing reports that supported the team's roster decisions and player acquisitions during a period of organizational rebuilding.[17] In 2004, Low joined the Ottawa Senators as both a pro scout and goaltending coach, roles he held concurrently from 2004 to 2007. As a pro scout, he focused on assessing NHL-level players and prospects, aiding in talent identification for potential trades and signings, while his goaltending coaching duties involved mentoring netminders on technique and strategy. These advisory contributions helped bolster the Senators' goaltending depth during their competitive playoff runs in the mid-2000s.[17][29] Low briefly returned to coaching as an assistant with the Senators during the 2007–08 season until his dismissal on February 27, 2008, along with head coach John Paddock.[30] Following his departure from the Senators, Low joined the Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame Selection Committee in 2022, continuing his involvement in hockey operations.[31] His work in these areas emphasized analytical support for team building, drawing on his extensive experience as a former NHL goaltender and coach to inform scouting reports on player potential and fit.[17]Personal life and incidents
Ron Low has been married to his wife, Linda, for many years, and together they have two daughters with whom they share close family moments, such as gathering around the dinner table after meals.[32] Low has emphasized the importance of a supportive home environment in his personal reflections, crediting it as a key factor in his overall well-being during interviews about life after his hockey career.[32] Following his retirement from coaching, Low has resided in Edmonton, Alberta, where he and his wife have focused on family life and community contributions.[32] He has been actively involved in Hockey Helps the Homeless, a charitable initiative supporting Edmonton's Mustard Seed and Jasper Place Wellness Centre, co-founding the event in the city and participating as a coach to raise funds for those experiencing homelessness.[32] As of 2020, the Edmonton edition of the event had generated nearly $800,000 in total donations since its inception in 2014 under their involvement, with continued participation in subsequent years, including the 2025 event that raised $372,000.[33][34] On March 17, 2010, Low was the victim of a serious assault in downtown Calgary near 10th Street and 8th Avenue Southwest, shortly after meeting former teammate Dave Hunter at a pub.[35] Attacked from behind in what appeared to be a mugging, he sustained significant internal injuries, including damage to his intestine requiring surgical repair, and was hospitalized for eight days at Foothills Medical Centre.[35][36] Calgary police investigated the incident but reported no witnesses or suspect description, and the perpetrator was never apprehended.[35] Low later described the physical and emotional recovery as a prolonged process, with lasting scars both internal and external.[37]Statistics and records
Playing statistics
Ron Low appeared in 382 National Hockey League (NHL) regular-season games over 11 seasons from 1972 to 1985, posting a career record of 102 wins, 203 losses, and 38 ties, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 4.29 and four shutouts.[11] His performance varied significantly by team and era, reflecting the challenges of playing for expansion franchises like the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils, where he often faced high shot volumes and defensive weaknesses, contrasted with stronger showings during stints with the Edmonton Oilers.[1] The following table summarizes Low's NHL regular-season statistics by season and team:| Season | Team | GP | W | L | T | Min | GA | GAA | SO | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972-73 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 42 | 12 | 24 | 4 | 2339 | 152 | 3.90 | 1 | .881 |
| 1974-75 | Washington Capitals | 48 | 8 | 36 | 2 | 2587 | 235 | 5.45 | 1 | .855 |
| 1975-76 | Washington Capitals | 43 | 6 | 31 | 2 | 2285 | 208 | 5.46 | 0 | .854 |
| 1976-77 | Washington Capitals | 54 | 16 | 27 | 5 | 2910 | 188 | 3.88 | 0 | .881 |
| 1977-78 | Detroit Red Wings | 32 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 1813 | 102 | 3.37 | 1 | .886 |
| 1979-80 | Quebec Nordiques | 15 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 826 | 51 | 3.71 | 0 | .884 |
| 1979-80 | Edmonton Oilers | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 650 | 37 | 3.42 | 0 | .897 |
| 1980-81 | Edmonton Oilers | 24 | 5 | 13 | 3 | 1258 | 93 | 4.44 | 0 | .856 |
| 1981-82 | Edmonton Oilers | 29 | 17 | 7 | 1 | 1554 | 100 | 3.86 | 0 | .874 |
| 1982-83 | Edmonton Oilers | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 104 | 10 | 5.78 | 0 | .815 |
| 1982-83 | New Jersey Devils | 11 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 604 | 41 | 4.07 | 0 | .880 |
| 1983-84 | New Jersey Devils | 44 | 8 | 25 | 4 | 2211 | 161 | 4.37 | 0 | .858 |
| 1984-85 | New Jersey Devils | 26 | 6 | 11 | 4 | 1325 | 85 | 3.85 | 1 | .864 |
| Total | 382 | 102 | 203 | 38 | 19466 | 1463 | 4.29 | 4 | .871 |
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | Min | GA | GAA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977-78 | Detroit Red Wings | 4 | 1 | 3 | 240 | 17 | 4.25 | 0 |
| 1979-80 | Edmonton Oilers | 3 | 0 | 3 | 212 | 12 | 3.40 | 0 |
| Total | 7 | 1 | 6 | 452 | 29 | 3.86 | 0 |
Coaching records
Ron Low's coaching career spanned head and assistant roles in the NHL, AHL, and IHL, with his head coaching records reflecting a mix of regular-season competitiveness and limited postseason success.[20] As head coach, he compiled an overall regular-season record of 347 wins, 366 losses, 36 ties, and 15 overtime losses across 802 games in professional leagues.[2] His playoff record as head coach stood at 10 wins and 22 losses in 32 games.[20]NHL Head Coaching Record
Low served as head coach for the Edmonton Oilers from 1995 to 1999 and the New York Rangers from 2000 to 2002, overseeing 505 regular-season games with a record of 208 wins, 243 losses, 49 ties, and 5 overtime losses for 470 points and a .465 points percentage.[20] In the playoffs, his teams played 28 games, achieving 10 wins and 18 losses (.357 winning percentage).[20]| Season | Team | GP | W | L | T | OTL | PTS | PTS% | Finish | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-95 | Edmonton Oilers | 13 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 11 | .423 | 5th, Pacific | Did not qualify |
| 1995-96 | Edmonton Oilers | 82 | 30 | 44 | 8 | 0 | 68 | .415 | 5th, Pacific | Did not qualify |
| 1996-97 | Edmonton Oilers | 82 | 36 | 37 | 9 | 0 | 81 | .494 | 3rd, Pacific | Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4-3 (Dallas); Lost Conference Semifinals, 1-4 (Colorado) |
| 1997-98 | Edmonton Oilers | 82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 0 | 80 | .488 | 3rd, Pacific | Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4-3 (Colorado); Lost Conference Semifinals, 1-4 (Dallas) |
| 1998-99 | Edmonton Oilers | 82 | 33 | 37 | 12 | 0 | 78 | .476 | 2nd, Northwest | Lost Conference Quarterfinals, 0-4 (Dallas) |
| 2000-01 | New York Rangers | 82 | 33 | 43 | 5 | 1 | 72 | .439 | 4th, Atlantic | Did not qualify |
| 2001-02 | New York Rangers | 82 | 36 | 38 | 4 | 4 | 80 | .488 | 4th, Atlantic | Did not qualify |
Minor League Head Coaching Record
Prior to his primary NHL head coaching stints, Low led teams in the AHL and IHL, posting a combined regular-season record of 106 wins, 110 losses, 15 ties, and 11 overtime losses in 242 games.[2] His minor-league playoff record was 0 wins and 4 losses in 4 games.[2]| Season | League | Team | GP | W | L | T | OTL | PTS | PTS% | Finish | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-88 | AHL | Nova Scotia Oilers | 80 | 35 | 34 | 9 | 2 | 81 | .506 | 4th, North | Lost Division Semifinals |
| 1988-89 | AHL | Cape Breton Oilers | 80 | 27 | 47 | 6 | 0 | 60 | .375 | 5th, North | Did not qualify |
| 1999-00 | IHL | Houston Aeros | 82 | 44 | 29 | 0 | 9 | 97 | .591 | 2nd, Western | Lost Turner Cup Finals |