Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings Faulkner Was First NHLer From Newfoundland
Faulkner played in two Stanley Cup finals for Detroit
During a week in which the NHL is celebrating the changing of the guard atop the league’s career goals mark, the hockey world has lost a former Detroit Red Wings player who figured in the goal that make Gordie Howe the NHL’s greatest scorer.
Former Red Wings forward Alex Faulkner died Tuesday at the age of 88. Playing with Detroit from 1962-64, Faulkner drew an assist on Howe’s 545th NHL goal, which allowed him to surpass Maurice (Rocket) Richard as the NHL’s all-time goal scoring leader.
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.
After an impressive 41-game stint in… pic.twitter.com/VqyEVu8FUt
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) April 8, 2025
Born in Bishop’s Falls, Faulkner became the first Newfoundlander to play in the NHL when he suited up for one game with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1961-62 season. It was an honor he held close to his heart.
“No one remembers the second guy to walk on the moon,” Faulkner said proudly in a 2008 interview with the Windsor Star. “You ask someone who was the second Newfoundlander in the NHL and they won’t have any idea.
“That’s just the way it works.”
Joining the Red Wings the following season, Faulkner would also become the first Newfoundlander to play in the Stanley Cup final with the Red Wings in 1962-63 and 1963-64. It wouldn’t be until Dan Cleary won with the Red Wings in 2007-08 that a player from Newfoundland would earn an inscription on Lord Stanley’s mug.
Best Seasons With Red Wings
Faulkner enjoyed his best NHL seasons in Detroit. The 5-foot-8, 165-pound center would account for 10-10-20 totals during the 1962-63 campaign. Faulkner played a major role in Detroit reaching the 1963 Cup final. He scored five goals in 11 playoff games that spring. Faulkner netted Detroit’s game winner in the Red Wings’ only victory during a five-game series loss to Toronto.
“I was 10 minutes away from winning the Stanley Cup,” Faulkner lamented of the 1964 final series. “We were up 3-2 in the series (against Toronto) and were up in the third period.”
The Maple Leafs would tie the game, then win in overtime on a Bob Baun goal. Back on home ice, Toronto took a 4-0 verdict in Game 7.
“That’s my sad story,” Faulkner.
He’d add 5-7-12 numbers the following season, his final NHL campaign.
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. I was proud to present him with government’s Confederation 75th Anniversary medal last fall. pic.twitter.com/RyWhV9JB2N
— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) April 8, 2025
Such was Faulkner’s status in his home province that even Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey took time to acknowledge him on Tuesday.
“I am saddened to hear of the loss of another hockey legend from this province,” Furey posted in a statement. “My deepest condolences to the family of Alex Faulkner, the first Newfoundlander to play in the NHL in the early 1960s.”
