Wayne Maxner, the legendary hockey coach, has left an indelible mark on the world of hockey, but sadly, he passed away at the age of 80. The news of his departure has left the hockey community in mourning, with both the London Knights and Windsor Spitfires expressing their sadness on social media.
Born in Halifax, Wayne Maxner’s hockey journey began with remarkable achievements. During the 1962-63 season, he showcased his scoring prowess with the Niagara Falls Flyers in the precursor to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) known as the Ontario Hockey Association. Wayne’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player.
His exceptional talent did not go unnoticed, and he went on to play 62 games with the Boston Bruins, contributing eight goals and 17 points during his ten-year professional career in the NHL.
However, Wayne Maxner’s true calling emerged as a coach. Following his playing days, he ventured into coaching with the Windsor Spitfires, leading them to the OHL final in 1980. His coaching success caught the attention of Detroit’s American League farm team in Adirondack, and he later took on the role of head coach for the NHL’s Red Wings during parts of two seasons from 1980 to 1982.
Wayne’s coaching journey took him back to the Windsor Spitfires for a second and third stint from 1982 to 1986 and 1991 to 1993, respectively. He also had coaching stints with the Sudbury Wolves for one season. However, one of the highlights of his coaching career came during his time with the London Knights, where he coached from 1986 to 1990. Under his guidance, the Knights, led by Tim Taylor, came tantalizingly close to reaching the OHL championship series in 1989, falling just short to the Niagara Falls Thunder in Game 7 of the Emms Division final.
Wayne Maxner’s love for the game was unwavering, even during his off-coaching days. He remained a dedicated supporter of hockey and continued to attend many Knights games at Budweiser Gardens in recent years.
Beyond his hockey endeavors, Wayne Maxner worked as a car salesman in London and the surrounding area, showcasing his versatility and passion for both the sport and his community.
As the news of his passing spreads throughout the hockey world, fans, players, and fellow coaches alike pay tribute to a coaching legend whose legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come. Wayne Maxner’s impact on the sport and the lives he touched will forever be remembered fondly.