Needham assumed the role of Coach-Player for the 1971/72
Toledo Hornets, but suited up to play in less than half of their games that year. From 1972-1974 he was the
Cleveland Crusaders head coach in the
World Hockey Association Goaltender
Gerry Cheevers emerged as a star for the Crusaders, after several All-Star years with the NHL Boston Bruins. Needham died January 25, 2022, at the age of 90. ==Coaching record==