Troy Loney

Junior hockey fans in Lethbridge were lucky to witness the hardest working line in all of hockey. In the early 1980s the Broncos were led by twins Ron and Rich Sutter and linemate Troy Loney. If there was ever a perfect unofficial triplet to play with the Sutter twins, it was Troy Loney.

The native of Bow Island, Alberta played Sutter-like hockey. He was a big boy at 6'3" and 215lbs and he used his advantage effectively. He routinely patrolled his wing by keeping players honest with hard hits and strong puck pursuits. He played with great desire and it earned him a lot of respect. It also earned him a lengthy NHL career (624 games) and 2 Stanley Cup rings.

Loney was physical, but he wisely played within his limitations. Though he answered the call when needed, he was not a great fighter. He also never mistook himself as a finesse player. True, the Penguins of the early 1990s could score at will, and captain Mario Lemieux could make just about any player look like a goal scorer on any given rush. But Loney's longevity in the NHL was due to his fully understanding his role and excelling at it. He scored only 87 goals in his career.

Loney was a very popular player in the community, too. When the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim were stocking their roster they recognized Loney's qualities both on and off the ice, and made him not only an original Duck, but the team's first captain.

Loney also played briefly with the New York Islanders and New York Rangers.

Loney went into the insurance sales business in retirement.