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Newfoundland’s First NHL Player, Alex Faulkner, Remembered As A Grumpy Man With A Soft Spot For His Wife Doris Reid

By Emma Jordan

Newfoundland’s First NHL Player, Alex Faulkner, Remembered As A Grumpy Man With A Soft Spot For His Wife Doris Reid

April 9, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on April 9, 2026

Alex Faulkner, a pioneer for hockey players from Newfoundland and Labrador, passed away at 88.

He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings from 1961 to 1964, becoming the first player from the province to join the NHL.

Faulkner was from Bishop’s Falls, a small town in central Newfoundland known for its pulp mill. In this town, he developed his skills and love for the game.

His older brother, George, 91, also made his mark in hockey.

George was the first from the province to sign a professional hockey contract, playing for four seasons with the Shawinigan Falls Cataracts in the Quebec Senior League from 1954 to 1958.

Both brothers helped pave the way for future hockey players from their hometown.

Friends And Family Remember Alex Faulkner And Express That He Will Be Missed By His Dear Wife Doris Reid

Alex Faulkner and his wife Doris, who were married for 61 years, lived in a seniors’ residence in Grand Falls-Windsor, about 10 miles southwest of their hometown, Bishop’s Falls.

The NHL star married Doris Reid on April 27, 1963. A month later, on May 27, he returned to Newfoundland to a grand hero’s welcome followed by a private dinner and dance.

my dad , Alex Faulkner and my mom Doris. This picture was taken during the parade held for dad in NL after the 1963 Stanley cup playoffs, maki g the pic 60 years old this spring.

— Shawn Faulkner (@shawnoatthepark)

The couple was seen riding in a convertible during his homecoming parade.

Their son, Shawn, shared the special moment. It was a celebration of Alex’s return to Newfoundland, where he was welcomed home as a hero after making history as the first person from the province to play in the NHL.

His son posted a heartfelt message on social media, expressing how much he loved his dad and how challenging this time has been.

He found comfort in knowing his father was in a better place. He also mentioned that his dad, his Uncle Lindy, and Uncle George would be suiting up in heaven, ready for a game.

Rest in peace dad.
Loved you so much.
Very tough time but he’s in a much better place.
Dad , uncle Lindy and uncle George are suiting up tonight in heaven. The other team better be ready.

Further, Stacey Baker shared a heartfelt memory of Alex Faulkner, describing him as a “grumpy old man” who often refused requests with a firm “NO!!.”

Mr Alex Faulkner,
You truly were a “grumpy old man” who loved to tell us “NO!!” to whatever we asked you to do.
But after a nice shower and shave, and being told you looked right good for Doris, the grumpy old man horns got a little smaller and the smile got a little bigger.
No matter how grumpy he was, he still had his wit.
“Now Alex, you got 3 beautiful women in here with you”
As he looks at each of us, with a smirk, and says “where are they?”
Rest now Pussy Cat
Enjoy all the hockey and Splenda

However, she noted that his grumpy demeanor softened after a good shower and shave and a compliment about how he looked for his 85-year-old wife, Doris.

My mom Doris Faulkner , the absolute GOAT turned 85 today.

— Shawn Faulkner (@shawnoatthepark)

In response, Angela Curlew shared her thoughts, recalling that while Alex Faulkner was a grumpy man, God loved him.

She mentioned that his favorite response was always “NO,” but added that he deeply loved his wife, Doris.

Angela expressed how much Alex would be missed, especially by Doris, and shared that it was a true pleasure to have taken care of him and the other beautiful ladies in the home.

Yes he was a grumpy man but God love him his favorite answer was NO he loved his wife Doris I took care of him and two other bueatyfull lady’s and he is going to be really missed especially his wife RIP, Alex it was a pleasure to take care of u in the home

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Faulkner continued playing old-timers’ hockey into his 70s while working in the insurance industry and running a senior citizens’ home and care facility in Bishop’s Falls.
  • In 2009, Faulkner’s good friend and former Red Wings teammate, Gordie Howe, visited the area to be honored by the town.
  • He played alongside NHL legends like Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk in Detroit.
  • Check other Articles on

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