Lee Fogolin Jr.: The Unsung Hero of the Edmonton Oilers’ Dynasty. This is what makes Him exceptionally good.
Lee Fogolin Jr., a former Edmonton Oilers defenseman and captain, played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s work ethic and character during their dynasty years. Fogolin won two Stanley Cups with the Oilers in 1984 and 1985 and was a foundational part of the team’s success, often underappreciated for his contributions in instilling leadership among the legendary players whose names now hang in the rafters at Rogers Place.
During his eight seasons with the Oilers from 1979 to 1986, Fogolin played 586 regular-season games, scoring 36 goals, 124 assists, and achieving a +153 plus/minus as a defensive anchor. His tough-as-nails approach and leadership as captain for three seasons earned him immense respect from his teammates.
“He always came to play,” said Oilers alumni forward Jari Kurri. “Fogey was always there, playing hard on the ice in key times, and was a very important player. The team needs different types of players, and Fogey took care of that part defensively.” In addition to his regular-season contributions, Fogolin played 78 playoff games, scoring five times and adding 13 assists, crucial in securing two of Edmonton’s five Stanley Cups in 1984 and 1985. “He was one of the toughest, steadiest defensemen I’ve ever watched and had the pleasure to play with and be a friend with,” former Oilers captain Al Hamilton remarked.
Fogolin joined the Oilers in their inaugural NHL season, entering a dressing room that included future legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, Dave Semenko, and Al Hamilton. “The best thing about the 79-80 Oilers was the beginning of the foundation,” Lowe said. “We had unbelievable leaders, a whole whack of them. Not just a couple of them, a whole whack: Blair McDonald, Ron Chipperfield, Hamilton, and Fogolin. Colin Campbell was here. We were blessed as young players to come into the National Hockey League and have that kind of leadership. Then, of course, Lee stayed on a little bit longer, quite a bit longer, and did what he did.”
Fogolin was a fixture in every game for the Oilers during his first three seasons, often paired with Lowe. He provided stern guidance and veteran wisdom to the young players. “Lee knew who I was coming in, and then we happened to be paired together. He took me under his wing, no question,” Lowe recalled. “We were young guys having a bunch of fun because we were having success on the ice, but I remember time to time he’d pull me aside and say, ‘Hey, listen, it’s great to have fun, but you’ve got to remember you’ve got a job to do.’ I learned to stay on my side because if I went over to his side, he’d tell me to get the hell out of there and get back over on my side and just really to play the game in straight lines. I felt really big and strong when I was out there because I had Fogey beside me.”
In the 1980-81 NHL campaign, Fogolin took on the role of captain, setting the standard for work ethic and leadership. Paul Coffey, who joined the Oilers that season, learned much from Fogolin. “I know people in this room probably find it hard to believe, but I was a pretty good whipping boy of Glen Sather back in the day,” Coffey said with sarcasm. “He’d come in the room and tear a strip off all of us, but he usually started with me because of where I sat. Fogey would always give me a calming influence, ‘Just play your game. Don’t worry about him. Just play your game.'”
Fogolin also taught Coffey important lessons about the honor of wearing the Oilers jersey. “I remember early in my career, Lyle Kulchisky, our trainer, used to wheel in the shopping cart for either the red hot towels or your practice jerseys,” Coffey recalled. “I was taking my jersey off one day, had it in a ball, and tossed it. Of course, it missed the cart, and the sweater was on the floor. Lee stood up, didn’t miss a beat, grabbed the sweater, put it right side in, and folded it nicely on the shopping cart. He walked back and gave me a stare that I’ve never had before, which taught me quietly the respect you have for your jersey and the respect you have for your organization.”
Fogolin embodied the values that became the foundation of Edmonton’s five Stanley Cups. He maintained a balance between the team’s loose locker room atmosphere and the seriousness required on the ice, guiding younger players like Coffey, Lowe, and Gretzky.
Fogolin’s legacy as a leader and foundational player for the Edmonton Oilers speaks volumes, despite often being quietly appreciated. His impact on the team and the legendary players he guided continues to be felt in the annals of hockey history.