I knew Tim Alexander when I worked in communications for the
North American Hockey League in Michigan
16 years ago and he was coaching the Cleveland Barons Junior ‘A’ franchise. I
always liked him, and he always treated me well.
Tim accomplished quite a bit in hockey before he passed away
from pancreatic cancer last week at age 58. He played four seasons at Bowling Green State University
Born in Canada ,
he also led the Falcons to three Central Collegiate Hockey Association
tournament titles, two CCHA regular-season championships, and three NCAA
Tournament berths, including a third-place national finish as a sophomore under
head coach Ron Mason, according to USCHO.com. The Falcons defeated visiting Colorado College
in a two-game, total goals quarterfinal round series before falling to Boston College
in a semifinal matchup in Providence , and then edged
Wisconsin in the
consolation contest. His teammates at BGSU included future NHL players George
McPhee and Brian MacLellan, plus long-time Michigan State
After college and a short professional playing stint with Dayton
(IHL), Tim embarked on a long career coaching at multiple levels in the
Barons organization. He also returned to his collegiate alma mater as an assistant coach in 2001-02
before going back to the Barons, and in all coached hockey for over 30 years in
the Cleveland
area while sending numerous players on to junior, college and pro hockey. He leaves
behind a wife, Sandi, and a son, Jarrett.
Rest in peace, Tim, and thanks.
