Alex Faulkner, N.L.'s first NHL player, dead at 88

Mike Moore · CBC News

· Posted: Apr 08, 2025 11:14 AM EDT | Last Updated: 6 minutes ago

A trailblazer for nonrecreational hockey players coming retired of Newfoundland and Labrador has died.

Alex Faulkner, who suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings betwixt 1961 and 1964, was 88 years old. He was the archetypal subordinate from the state to marque it to the National Hockey League.

Faulkner grew up successful Bishop's Falls, a cardinal Newfoundland assemblage built astir its pulp mill. It was determination he honed his craft.

His brother, George Faulkner, was the archetypal Newfoundlander to crook pro, playing for the Quebec Citadelles and Shawinigan Falls Cataracts — an affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. George died successful January astatine 91.

Posts flooded societal media connected Tuesday arsenic the quality of Faulkner's decease made the rounds.

"I americium saddened to perceive of the nonaccomplishment of different hockey fable from this province. My deepest condolences to the household of Alex Faulkner, the archetypal Newfoundlander to play successful the NHL in the aboriginal 1960s," wrote Premier Andrew Furey.

"I was arrogant to contiguous him with government's Confederation 75th day medal past fall. Alex on with his member George — another hockey large who passed little than 3 months agone — certainly made their people connected this province."

Through 101 vocation NHL games, Faulkner posted 32 points, the bulk of which came with the Red Wings.

He played alongside NHL legends similar Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk successful Detroit. His 1 crippled with the Leafs successful 1961 boasted a roster filled with talent like Frank Mahovlich, Dave Keon and Johnny Bower.

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