Tim Kerr
Tim Kerr (born January 5, 1960) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), primarily with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he established himself as one of the league's premier goal scorers during the 1980s.[1][2] Born in Windsor, Ontario, Kerr went undrafted but broke into the NHL with the Flyers in 1980 after developing in junior hockey with teams like the Kingston Canadians and Windsor Spitfires.[2] At 6 feet 3 inches tall and 230 pounds, his imposing physical presence and powerful shot made him a dominant force, particularly on the power play, where he set the NHL single-season record with 34 goals in 1985–86—a mark that still stands.[3][2] Over his career, Kerr amassed 370 goals and 674 points in 655 regular-season games, including stints with the New York Rangers (1991–92) and Hartford Whalers (1992–93), while also recording 40 playoff goals in 81 games.[1][3] Kerr's peak came from 1983–84 to 1986–87, when he scored 54 or more goals in each of four consecutive seasons—a rare feat achieved by only a handful of players in NHL history—culminating in 58 goals both in 1985–86 and 1986–87.[3][4] He earned NHL All-Star selections in 1984, 1985, and 1986, along with a Second Team All-Star honor in 1987, and led the league in power-play goals three times (21 in 1984–85, 34 in 1985–86, and 26 in 1986–87).[2] Despite chronic injuries, including knee issues, a separated shoulder in the 1987 playoffs, and blood clots that forced his retirement in 1993, Kerr demonstrated remarkable resilience, winning the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 1989 for perseverance and dedication to hockey.[1][3] In 23 Flyers franchise records, including most 50-goal seasons (four), career power-play goals (145), and hat tricks (17), underscoring his legacy as one of the team's all-time greats.[5] Post-retirement, Kerr founded Tim Kerr Charities in 1999 to support physically and mentally challenged children and their families, reflecting his commitment to giving back amid his own health challenges.[6]Early Years
Childhood and Youth
Tim Kerr was born on January 5, 1960, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.[7] Growing up in the border city across from Detroit, Kerr developed an early affinity for hockey, influenced by the sport's prominence in the local community and his fandom of the nearby Detroit Red Wings.[8] As a youth, Kerr was not considered an elite talent in minor hockey leagues but stood out due to his exceptional size, measuring 6 feet tall and 210 pounds by age 14, which often led coaches to place him in older age groups despite his developing skills.[8] This physical stature foreshadowed his future playing style as a power forward, emphasizing strength and presence around the net once his abilities caught up. By adulthood, he had grown to 6 feet 3 inches and 225 pounds, further solidifying his imposing frame on the ice.[3] Kerr faced initial challenges as a non-elite youth player, relying more on his size than refined technique, which delayed recognition until later development.[8] This foundation in Windsor's hockey scene paved the way for his entry into organized junior play.[2]Junior Career
Tim Kerr began his junior career in 1976–77 with the Windsor Royals of the Junior B Windsor & District Junior Hockey League (WOHL), where he recorded 34 goals and 28 assists for 62 points in 38 games.[3] He then joined the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL, predecessor to the OHL) with the Windsor Spitfires later that season, appearing in 9 regular-season games and tallying 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points, along with 7 penalty minutes.[7] He also contributed in the playoffs that year, playing 3 games without recording a point.[3] At 6 feet 3 inches and already developing a strong physical presence from his youth, Kerr showed early raw scoring potential but was still adjusting to the junior level's demands.[2] Following a brief stint with Windsor, Kerr was selected by the Kingston Canadians in the 1977 OHL Priority Selection, 4th round (46th overall), and joined the team for the 1977–78 season.[3] Over his three full seasons with Kingston from 1977 to 1980, he demonstrated steady progression as a goal-scoring winger, benefiting from his size and improving shot accuracy while working on overall mobility. His statistics during this period are summarized below:| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977–78 | Kingston Canadians | 67 | 14 | 25 | 39 | 33 |
| 1978–79 | Kingston Canadians | 57 | 17 | 25 | 42 | 27 |
| 1979–80 | Kingston Canadians | 63 | 40 | 33 | 73 | 39 |
| Total | Kingston | 187 | 71 | 83 | 154 | 99 |
Professional Career
World Hockey Association
Tim Kerr did not play in the World Hockey Association (WHA), as his professional career began shortly after the league's merger with the National Hockey League (NHL) was announced in March 1979. Following a strong junior season with the Kingston Canadians of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL), where he scored 40 goals and 33 assists in 63 games, Kerr signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers organization.[3][7] The WHA's final 1979-80 season overlapped with Kerr's transition to professional hockey, during which four WHA teams—including the New England Whalers, who relocated to Hartford as the Hartford Whalers—were absorbed into the NHL for the 1980-81 season, expanding the league and altering the professional landscape Kerr entered. Kerr made his pro debut that year with the Flyers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Maine Mariners, appearing in 7 games and recording 2 goals and 4 assists while adjusting to the faster pace and physical demands of minor-professional play.[7] As a depth forward, Kerr focused on developing his physical presence and net-front skills amid limited ice time, competing against more experienced players in a system that emphasized resilience and adaptation during the post-merger era. This brief AHL stint provided foundational experience, highlighting his potential as a power forward without the direct involvement in the WHA's competitive environment.[4]Philadelphia Flyers
Tim Kerr made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers on October 9, 1980, against the Vancouver Canucks, marking the start of an 11-season tenure that established him as one of the league's premier goal scorers.[2] In his initial seasons, Kerr served primarily as a role player, contributing physical play along the boards while developing his offensive touch; during the 1980-81 season, he recorded 22 goals in 68 games, helping the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup semifinals.[2] His early years were marked by steady progression, with 21 goals in 61 games the following season, as he adapted to the NHL's intensity.[2] Kerr's rise to stardom began in the 1983-84 season, when he erupted for 54 goals in 79 games, launching a remarkable streak of four consecutive 50-goal campaigns that solidified his reputation as an elite sniper.[2] This peak continued with 54 goals in 1984-85, followed by NHL career-highs of 58 goals each in 1985-86 and 1986-87, during which he led the league in power-play goals three straight years (21 in 1985, a record 34 in 1986, and 26 in 1987).[2] Central to his success was his role on the Flyers' potent power play, where he formed key partnerships with centers like Ron Sutter and Murray Craven, who fed him precise passes for tip-ins and one-timers from the slot, accounting for a significant portion of his production. These seasons not only propelled the Flyers to consistent playoff contention but also earned Kerr three NHL All-Star selections (1984, 1985, 1986) and a spot on the 1986-87 Second All-Star Team.[2] In the playoffs, Kerr's scoring prowess shone during the Flyers' Stanley Cup Final runs in 1985 and 1987, where he delivered clutch performances despite the team's ultimate defeats. In 1985, he tallied 10 goals in 12 games, including a still-standing NHL record of four goals in one period (scored in 8:16 during Game 3 of the division semifinals against the New York Rangers), helping Philadelphia advance to the Final before a knee injury sidelined him for the later rounds. Two years later, in 1987, Kerr scored 8 goals in 12 games en route to the Final against Edmonton, providing offensive firepower alongside rookie sensation Ron Hextall until a shoulder injury ended his postseason. His playoff contributions underscored the Flyers' competitive edge in the Patrick Division throughout the decade. As injuries mounted in the late 1980s, including shoulder issues that limited him to just 8 games in 1987-88, Kerr faced persistent trade rumors linking him to teams seeking a proven scorer.[4] Despite these challenges and offers from other clubs, Kerr demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Flyers, rebounding with 48 goals in 69 games during the 1988-89 season—a performance that earned him the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance in the face of adversity.[15] His commitment extended through diminished roles in 1989-90 (24 goals in 40 games) and 1990-91 (10 goals in 27 games), where he continued to mentor younger players while battling health setbacks, cementing his status as a franchise cornerstone before departing in 1991.[2]Later NHL Seasons and Retirement
In September 1991, following his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, Tim Kerr was traded to the New York Rangers as part of a deal involving future considerations, though the initial acquisition from the San Jose Sharks occurred in May of that year.[16][17] During the 1991-92 season, Kerr appeared in 32 games for the Rangers, recording 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points, while dealing with limited ice time and a minus-5 rating.[1] His role on the team was constrained, contributing modestly to a Rangers squad that finished third in the Patrick Division. Kerr made a brief appearance in the 1992 playoffs, where the Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils in seven games before falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six. Over eight playoff games, he scored 1 goal with no assists.[7] On July 9, 1992, Kerr was traded to the Hartford Whalers for future considerations, which later became a seventh-round draft pick.[16] In the 1992-93 season with Hartford, Kerr played 22 games, tallying 6 assists but no goals, along with a minus-11 rating, before his playing career ended.[1] He announced his retirement on January 21, 1993, after a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, citing an inability to maintain the necessary performance level; Kerr then transitioned to an assistant coaching role with the Whalers' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Indians.[18] Over his NHL career spanning 13 seasons, Kerr amassed 370 goals and 304 assists in 655 regular-season games.[2]Health Challenges
Injuries During Career
Tim Kerr's early professional career with the Philadelphia Flyers was marred by significant knee injuries. In his first two NHL seasons (1980-81 and 1981-82), he sustained a pair of serious knee injuries that caused him to miss a combined 31 games.[12] These setbacks limited his initial development as a scorer, though he showed promise with 45 and 51 points respectively in those campaigns. The most severe blow came during the 1982-83 season, when Kerr underwent surgery on his right knee for ligament damage, forcing him to miss 37 games and restricting him to just 24 appearances where he managed 11 goals.[8] A broken leg compounded the issue that year, further disrupting what could have been a breakout period.[19] Kerr's physical, power-forward playing style—characterized by screening goaltenders and battling in the net-front area—contributed to a pattern of recurrent injuries, including recurrent knee problems, bruises, and strains throughout his career.[5] Despite these challenges, he demonstrated resilience, returning strongly in 1983-84 to score 54 goals in 79 games after dedicated rehabilitation. However, knee issues persisted intermittently; in the 1985 Stanley Cup playoffs, a knee injury hampered his performance during the Flyers' Finals run against the Edmonton Oilers. By the late 1980s, the cumulative toll became more evident, with Kerr limited to 69 games in the 1988-89 season due to various ailments, though he still tallied 48 goals.[4] The 1989-90 season exemplified the ongoing impact of Kerr's knee and related injuries, as he played only 40 games and scored 24 goals amid multiple surgeries and recovery periods, a sharp decline from his peak 58-goal output two years prior.[19] Arthroscopic procedures on his shoulder also factored in, but knee instability remained a core issue, contributing to the Flyers' missed playoffs that year. Kerr attempted a comeback in 1990-91 following further knee surgery in November 1990, which sidelined him for four to six weeks; he returned to score 10 goals in 27 games for Philadelphia that season.[20] After the season, he was claimed by the San Jose Sharks in the 1991 expansion draft and traded to the New York Rangers, where he scored 7 goals in 32 games during the 1991–92 season, showcasing his determination amid rehabilitation efforts.[2][17] These injuries notably affected the Flyers' high-scoring offenses in multiple seasons, forcing adjustments around Kerr's absences.[21]Post-Career Health Impact
Following his retirement in January 1993, Tim Kerr faced significant long-term health consequences from the cumulative toll of multiple knee surgeries and related immobility during his career, particularly the right knee procedure performed in November 1992 that ultimately prevented his return to play. These injuries, stemming from repeated trauma on the ice, led to chronic joint issues that persisted beyond his playing days, complicating mobility and daily activities.[18] In the years after retirement, Kerr has managed these effects through consistent lifestyle adjustments, including daily workouts on an elliptical machine and light weights to preserve joint function and overall fitness. By 2011, he reported needing a knee replacement due to the wear from his three prior knee surgeries and other lower-body injuries, stating, "I gave everything I had with my body... I know that because I can feel it today." He emphasized the necessity of ongoing exercise, noting, "It’s pretty much time to get it done."[19] Kerr has publicly reflected on these challenges in interviews, highlighting the physical price of his high-scoring career despite the adversity. In a 2011 discussion, he acknowledged the enduring impact without regret, saying of his injuries, "Even though I missed a lot of time with injuries, I would not change a thing." No major health updates have emerged as of 2025, underscoring his focus on adaptation and maintaining an active lifestyle.[21]Personal Life
Family and Residences
Tim Kerr was first married to Kathy Kerr, with whom he had two daughters: Kayleigh, born in 1989, and Kimberly, born on October 6, 1990.[19][22] Kathy, who brought a daughter named Jackie from a previous marriage into the family, tragically died on October 16, 1990, at age 30, from complications following Kimberly's birth.[23][24] This loss profoundly affected Kerr, yet the family's resilience helped him navigate his ongoing professional commitments during a period of personal grief.[25] Kerr met and remarried Midge Kerr in 1991 at the inaugural Tim Kerr Run in Avalon, New Jersey, forming a blended family that included his three daughters.[19] Together, they have three sons—Garrett, Wesley, and Tanner—with Garrett and Wesley notably pursuing basketball careers, including collegiate play at the University of the Sciences.[26][19][27] The family has been a pillar of support through Kerr's career transitions, including his retirement in 1993, and his recoveries from injuries, with Midge playing a key role in fostering stability and emotional well-being.[19] The Kerrs maintain their primary residence in Moorestown Township, New Jersey, where they raised their children during the school year, and a vacation home in Avalon, New Jersey, which serves as a summer retreat and base for family activities.[19] This dual-home setup has allowed the family to balance everyday life with leisure, contributing to Kerr's post-retirement stability and involvement in community events.[28]Business and Philanthropy
After retiring from professional hockey in 1993, Tim Kerr transitioned into business ventures, leveraging his public profile and connections from his athletic career to build enterprises in real estate and sports ownership. He relocated his family to Avalon, New Jersey, where he established a foundation for his entrepreneurial activities.[6] Kerr co-founded PowerPlay Realty in 1992 with Ryan Vince, focusing on luxury residential properties in Avalon and Stone Harbor on the Seven Mile Island. The firm, which Kerr serves as owner and president, joined the Sotheby's International Realty network in 2017 and rebranded as Tim Kerr Sotheby's International Realty, expanding its reach in New Jersey's high-end coastal market. As of 2025, the brokerage continues to emphasize personalized service and strong sales performance, with no major structural changes reported in recent years.[29][30] In the early 2000s, Kerr ventured into minor league hockey team ownership, acquiring the Pensacola Ice Pilots of the East Coast Hockey League in 2003 before selling it in 2005. He later owned the Pensacola Ice Flyers and the Mississippi Surge in the Southern Professional Hockey League during the late 2000s and early 2010s, contributing to league operations and community engagement in those markets. These investments reflected Kerr's ongoing passion for the sport while diversifying his business interests.[3][19] Kerr founded Tim Kerr Charities in the summer of 1989 with his wife, Midge, to raise funds for various charitable organizations through family-oriented multisport events.[6] The nonprofit, headquartered in Avalon, New Jersey, has hosted over 134 events—including triathlons, runs, and swims like the IslandKids Triathlon and 7 Mile Island Run—drawing more than 60,000 participants and generating approximately $3 million in proceeds donated to 105 partner charities focused on children's health, education, and community support.[31][32][33] While not exclusively centered on hockey access, the events promote physical activity and inclusivity for youth. As of November 2025, the organization sustains its growth with scheduled annual events, such as the Islandman Triathlon on June 28, 2025, maintaining steady fundraising momentum without significant new initiatives announced.[32]Legacy and Achievements
Awards and Honors
Tim Kerr received numerous accolades during his NHL career, recognizing his exceptional goal-scoring ability and perseverance through injuries. His honors include multiple selections to the NHL All-Star Game and team-level recognition from the Philadelphia Flyers.[2] Kerr was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game three times, representing the Wales Conference in 1984, 1985, and 1986, where he showcased his power-play prowess alongside elite teammates.[2] These appearances highlighted his status as one of the league's top snipers during the mid-1980s.[3] He was also named to the NHL Second Team All-Star in 1987.[2] Kerr led the NHL in power-play goals three times, with 21 in 1984–85, 34 in 1985–86, and 26 in 1986–87.[2] Within the Flyers organization, Kerr was named the team's Most Valuable Player, awarded via the Bobby Clarke Trophy, twice.[34] In 1994, Kerr was inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame on March 8, during a ceremony honoring his impact on the franchise despite career-shortening injuries.[35] As of 2025, Kerr has not been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, though his candidacy has sparked ongoing discussions in hockey media, including analyses of his peak performance versus career longevity in the context of the 2025 selection process.[36] He was recognized in the inaugural class of the informal Hockey Hall of Very Good in 2022, acknowledging players with strong but overlooked legacies.[37]Records and Milestones
Tim Kerr set the NHL single-season record for most power-play goals with 34 during the 1985-86 campaign while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.[38] This mark, achieved in 76 games, remains unbroken as of 2025, despite challenges from players like Leon Draisaitl, who tallied 26 power-play goals in 2022-23.[39] The record underscores Kerr's dominance as a net-front presence and one-timer specialist on the man advantage. Kerr also holds Philadelphia Flyers franchise records for most power-play goals in a season (34) and the fastest four goals in a playoff game (8:16, scored on April 13, 1985, against the New York Rangers).[8] [40] These Flyers benchmarks, like his NHL power-play record, stand intact in 2025, as highlighted in recent team retrospectives.[41] Among Kerr's key milestones, he ranks 11th all-time in goals per game with a 0.565 average over 655 regular-season contests and 370 total goals.[42] Additionally, Kerr achieved four consecutive 50-goal seasons from 1983-84 to 1986-87 (54, 54, 58, and 58 goals), a feat shared by only a select group of NHL scorers including Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy.[43] His three NHL All-Star Game selections from 1984 to 1986 coincided with these peak scoring years.[2]Career Statistics
Regular Season
Tim Kerr's NHL regular-season career spanned 13 seasons from 1980-81 to 1992-93, during which he established himself as one of the league's premier goal scorers, particularly known for his power-play prowess while playing primarily for the Philadelphia Flyers.[2] Over 655 games, he recorded 370 goals, 304 assists, and 674 points, while accumulating 596 penalty minutes.[2] His production was marked by explosive peaks in the mid-1980s, followed by a sharp decline due to recurring injuries that limited his playing time in later years.[2] The following table summarizes Kerr's regular-season statistics by season, including games played (GP), goals (G), assists (A), points (Pts), and penalty minutes (PIM). All data reflects his tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers (PHI), New York Rangers (NYR), and Hartford Whalers (HAR).[2]| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980-81 | PHI | 68 | 22 | 23 | 45 | 84 |
| 1981-82 | PHI | 61 | 21 | 30 | 51 | 138 |
| 1982-83 | PHI | 24 | 11 | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| 1983-84 | PHI | 79 | 54 | 39 | 93 | 29 |
| 1984-85 | PHI | 74 | 54 | 44 | 98 | 57 |
| 1985-86 | PHI | 76 | 58 | 26 | 84 | 79 |
| 1986-87 | PHI | 75 | 58 | 37 | 95 | 57 |
| 1987-88 | PHI | 8 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 12 |
| 1988-89 | PHI | 69 | 48 | 40 | 88 | 73 |
| 1989-90 | PHI | 40 | 24 | 24 | 48 | 34 |
| 1990-91 | PHI | 27 | 10 | 14 | 24 | 8 |
| 1991-92 | NYR | 32 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 12 |
| 1992-93 | HAR | 22 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Career | 655 | 370 | 304 | 674 | 596 |
Playoffs
Tim Kerr's playoff performances were marked by explosive goal-scoring bursts that propelled the Philadelphia Flyers deep into multiple postseason runs, though chronic injuries increasingly limited his participation in later years. His ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities, honed during the regular season, translated effectively to the playoffs, where he often delivered in high-stakes series against rivals like the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins.[2] Kerr's postseason statistics reflect his peak productivity in the mid-1980s, followed by diminished output due to health issues. The following table summarizes his NHL playoff appearances:| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980-81 | PHI | 10 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| 1981-82 | PHI | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 1982-83 | PHI | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1983-84 | PHI | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1984-85 | PHI | 12 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 13 |
| 1985-86 | PHI | 5 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| 1986-87 | PHI | 12 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 2 |
| 1987-88 | PHI | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| 1988-89 | PHI | 19 | 14 | 11 | 25 | 27 |
| 1991-92 | NYR | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Career | 81 | 40 | 31 | 71 | 58 |