Maple Leafs Mourn the Passing of Another Former Member of the Organization
Photo credit: The Compleat Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Card Compendium
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the passing of another former member of the organization and the first NHL player to hail from Newfoundland.
Just a day after the NHL announced the tragic, sudden loss of former NHL goaltender and broadcaster Greg Millen, the Toronto Maple Leafs are also mourning the loss of one of their own on Tuesday.
The Maple Leafs have sadly announced the passing of former forward Alex Faulkner, who made strides in the NHL as the very 1st player from Newfoundland to suit up in hockey's top league. The team had this to say of Faulkner in a social media post on Tuesday.
"We mourn the passing of Alex Faulkner. Alex played one game with the Maple Leafs in 1961 and was the first player born in Newfoundland to appear in an NHL game. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
The NHL Alumni Association has also confirmed the unfortunate news in a post of their own on X.
"The NHL Alumni Association is saddened to learn that Alex Faulkner has passed away at the age of 88.
Alex was a prominent player in the Newfoundland Senior Hockey League (NFSHL) and dreamed of one day playing in the National Hockey League."
Alex was a prominent player in the Newfoundland Senior Hockey League (NFSHL) and dreamed of one day playing in the National Hockey League."
His passing was mourned by Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey, who released the following statement:
"I am saddened to hear of the loss of another hockey legend from this province. My deepest condolences to the family of Alex Faulkner, the first Newfoundlander to play in the NHL in the early 1960s.
I was proud to present him with government's Confederation 75th anniversary medal last fall. Alex along with his brother George - another hockey great who passed less than three months ago - certainly made their mark on this province."
I was proud to present him with government's Confederation 75th anniversary medal last fall. Alex along with his brother George - another hockey great who passed less than three months ago - certainly made their mark on this province."
Alex's brother, George, also passed away earlier this year.
Faulkner played 41 games with the Rochester Americans in 1960-61, and later became the 1st player from Newfoundland and Labrador to suit up in the NHL; he played for both the Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings during his NHL career, with most of his time being spent with the Red Wings organization.
Condolences to Faulkner's family, friends and fans as they mourn his loss.
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