Sad news is coming out of the hockey world today as former Toronto Maple Leafs center Alex Faulkner passed away at the age of 88 following an amazing life.

For those who may not know, Alex Faulkner is a very unique player in the history of the NHL as he was the first player from Newfoundland to ever play in the league.

His first NHL game was with the Toronto Maple Leafs and while he only played one game with the team, he was able to make history.

From there, he played 100 games with the Detroit Red Wings before eventually moving on the WHL where he played for the San Diego Gulls.

Alex Faulkner was a pioneer

Taking to social media today, the Toronto Maple Leafs put out a statement on Faulkner’s passing, letting people know that he was loved by the franchise.

It was a classy move even if the player only had one start with the franchise.

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.

Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador president Jared Butler made a statement about Alex Faulkner to CBC, noting that he was an amazing ambassador for the province.

I think for us, as a hockey family across this province, this is a big blow. I think as well, you’re losing someone who broke a lot of ground as the first Newfoundlander to play in the NHL.He’s a once in a generation type of a fella. To accomplish something back in the day, it was incredibly hard to make the National Hockey League.

And he was an inspiration to many young people across our province.

Our thoughts go out to the Faulkner family during this difficult time. We send our condolences.