Alex Romeril

Romeril with theToronto Granites.

Alexander Edward "Porky" Romeril(December 29, 1893 – May 17, 1968) was a Canadian amateurice hockeyplayer, football player,National Hockey Leaguereferee, and the first coach of theToronto Maple Leafs.

Career

Romeril played junior hockey with the Toronto Canoe Club, winning theOntario Hockey Associationchampionship in 1912 with Romeril playingrover.He was offered $70 a week to turn professional with theToronto Blueshirtsin 1912–13, but declined and played for the TCC senior team. During the First World War, Romeril played senior hockey with theWinnipeg 61st Battalion,winning theAllan Cupin 1916.

After the war, Romeril played left wing for the senior OHA team from theToronto Granite Club,called theToronto Granites.Led by centreHarry Watson,the Granites won the Allan Cup in 1922 and 1923 (Romeril was injured and couldn't play in the 1923 series). In 1923–24, Romeril played forToronto Aura Lee,and then played for the Parkdale Canoe Club team in 1924–25.

At the same time, Romeril was playing football before the start of hockey season for theToronto Argonauts.He played from 1920 to 1922 and then returned to manage the team in 1924.

In February 1927, Romeril was named head coach of theToronto Maple Leafsof the National Hockey League after theToronto St. Patrickswere acquired by a group headed byConn Smytheand renamed the Maple Leafs. He coached the team through the rest of the1926–27 season.Romeril then became an NHL referee until retiring in 1934.

He was also a strong golfer, competing in Toronto-area tournaments and serving as captain at theRosedale Golf Club.

Romeril is buried atPark Lawn Cemeteryin Toronto.

Coaching record

Team	Year	Regular Season							Post Season
		G	W	L	T	OTL	Pts	Finish	Result
TOR	1926–27	13	7	5	1	-	(35)	5th in Canadian	Did not qualify