EDMONTON, AB – You may not recognize his face but you’d certainly recognize his voice if you’ve been to an Oilers game over the last 35 years. Oilers PA announcer Mark Lewis today announced his retirement effective the conclusion of the Oilers farewell season at Rexall Place.

Perched on the catwalk behind an old-school mic – an homage to his 40 years in the radio and television business – Lewis has become synonymous with Rexall Place and the Oilers, calling goals and penalties, and bringing the opening line-ups to fans for over three decades.

“Through my 35 years in the NHL, I wouldn’t say there are a lot of people that stand out when it comes to PA announcers and hosts, but Mark is right up there as one of the truly recognizable voices around the League in the last three decades,” said Oilers Entertainment Group Vice-Chair Kevin Lowe.

“As a player, hearing your voice being called out for your first game and goal in the NHL is a memory that sticks out, and his voice will always be remembered by our players, past and present.”

Hired by the Oilers in 1981, Lewis has called it all. Five Stanley Cup Championship seasons, four Cup wins on home ice, goals from hockey legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Glenn Anderson, and special events such as the 1981 and 1984 Canada Cups and the 1989 NHL All-Star game.

“A big highlight was when Wayne Gretzky scored 50 [goals] in 39 [games],” said Lewis, reminiscing on his time with the team. “Another highlight was on May 19, 1984 when the Oilers won their first Stanley Cup. This year, I really enjoyed watching Connor McDavid play; I don’t know that words can describe the kind of game he’s eventually going to bring to the ice.

“I have found this to be a first-class organization throughout all 35 years. There’s been some really world-class hockey and it’s allowed us to see the best players in the world, right here in Edmonton.”

The Oilers would like to thank Mark for his passion for Oilers hockey and will release plans for Rogers Place Game Operations when they are finalized.

Edmonton Oilers hockey is presented by Molson Canadian, Rogers, Ford, Scotiabank and the Rexall Family of Pharmacies.