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Edmonton Oilers legend Kevin Lowe takes a shot at TSN reporter Rick Westhead

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Mar 18 2025, 4:47 pm
Edmonton Oilers legend Kevin Lowe takes a shot at TSN reporter Rick Westhead
Perry Nelson/Imagn Images

Longtime Edmonton Oilers defenceman Kevin Lowe doesn’t like the way hockey culture is being portrayed in the media landscape.

Lowe, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020, recently took aim at TSN’s Rick Westhead in a recent LinkedIn post. Westhead is known to report on difficult stories in the hockey world, many of which portray a very negative culture that is in need of some serious change.

Westhead is writing a book titled We Breed Lions, which is self-described as a “hard-hitting and powerful look at hockey’s moment of reckoning in Canada.” The book is set to be released this coming November, though some former NHLers don’t seem to be overly excited about it.

One would be Jim Kyte, who recently mentioned that he hopes the story isn’t sensationalized and that he also focuses on the positives of hockey culture. He also said he believes that media focuses on the negative stories in order to catch more eyeballs, something Lowe quickly agreed with.

lowe-westhead-kyte

LinkedIn

“Jim Kyte, well said,” Lowe wrote. “Thanks for highlighting Rick Westhead’s unfair portrayal of hockey and his mischaracterization of ‘hockey culture.’ Like many who take issue with the sport, I can’t help but wonder if he was cut from a team or didn’t get enough ice time when he played. Given his track record of sensationalism in recent years, I see no chance that his book will offer a balanced perspective. As you astutely pointed out, good news doesn’t drive clicks or viewership.”

Lowe went on to mention some of the good aspects of hockey culture that he feels Westhead has chosen to ignore, including the WHL’s Respect in Hockey Program.

“There’s a much bigger story here – one that Westhead chooses to ignore,” Lowe finished. “If you want half a story, enjoy the read! To quote the ever-popular Don Cherry, ‘For all you bleeding hearts,’ I hope I’m wrong!”

The 65-year-old Lowe has served as the Oilers’ head coach, general manager, and president of hockey operations. He continues to work for the organization as an ambassador.

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