Tom Hodges, a longtime Spokane, Washington, resident and legendary hockey player and coach, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the age of 93, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
According to reports, Tom Hodges battled with multiple health issues in recent years and died on Monday at his daughter’s home in Dallas.
Tom Hodges touched the lives of many with his exceptional athletic skills and his kind, cheerful nature.
Born on November 10, 1931, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Tom Hodges was a legendary hockey defenseman who shot left-handed, stood 5’11” (180 cm) tall, and weighed 185 lbs (84 kg).
Hodges began his hockey career playing junior hockey for the Saskatoon Wesleys in the SJHL, where he showed early promise with impressive point totals. He moved to Spokane, Washington, in 1952, where he played senior amateur (semi-professional) hockey for the Spokane Flyers from 1952-53 through 1957-58, before turning professional with the Spokane Spokes and Spokane Comets in the WHL from 1958-59 through 1960-61.
After initially retiring to run a printing business, Hodges made a remarkable comeback, playing senior amateur hockey with the Spokane Jets from 1963-64 through 1971-72, including brief appearances in 1974-75.
Throughout his extensive career in the WIHL, WHL, and SJHL, Hodges accumulated hundreds of games, contributing significantly to defense with both goals and assists, as well as participating in multiple Allan Cup tournaments and winning the cup four times.
Known for his rugged style and dedication to the sport, Hodges left a lasting legacy in Spokane hockey both on the ice and as a coach.
Tom Hodges Served as a Defenseman, Coach, and Team Owner
In addition to his playing career, Tom Hodges had a multifaceted career in hockey, contributing as a defenseman, coach, and team owner.
Over the years, he was closely associated with several Spokane-based teams, including the Flyers, Comets, and Jets, often playing a key role both on and off the ice.
As a coach, Hodges led the Spokane Flyers in the Western International Hockey League (WIHL) for multiple seasons.
Similarly, in the 1974–75 season, he guided the team to a strong 35–16–2 record, achieving a .679 winning percentage.
The following season, 1975–76, he remained at the helm, leading the Flyers to a 26–22–0 record with a .542 winning percentage.
During the 1976–77 season, Hodges returned to the team midseason as head coach, continuing to lead and influence the team.
Beyond coaching, Hodges’ involvement in the Spokane hockey scene extended to ownership and team management, cementing his legacy in the region’s hockey history.
Tom Hodges is survived by his son, Thomas Gil Hodges; daughter, Nancy Stare; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and the entire family.
His son, Gil, followed in Tom’s footsteps in hockey and briefly played senior amateur hockey in Spokane. Gil is a former professional hockey player who was a member of the Edmonton Oilers farm system.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Tom Hodges was preceded in death by his longtime wife, Pauline Hodges, who passed away in January 2025.
- His son Gil Hodges received his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 1985 and currently works at Ocala Veterinary Hospital.
- Tom’s family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
