BOSTON—Jack Falla, a Boston University professor who covered the NHL for Sports Illustrated in the 1980s, died while in Maine with his family. He was 62.

He died of a heart attack Sunday, the university said.

Falla wrote several books on hockey, including “Open Ice: Reflections and Confession of a Hockey Lifer,” which was released this month.

At Boston University, he taught sports writing and sports communications. Lou Ureneck, chairman of the journalism department, said Falla was popular with students because of his passion for sports and teaching.