Ron Hextall

Ron Hextall is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and hockey executive, born in Brandon, Manitoba.

Ron Hextall is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and hockey executive, born in Brandon, Manitoba. He played 13 NHL seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers, Quebec Nordiques, and New York Islanders, and later worked in NHL management roles. Hextall is widely noted for his aggressive style of play and for scoring goals as a goaltender.

Early life and family

Hextall was born in Brandon, Manitoba. He came from a hockey family: his father, Bryan Hextall Jr., and grandfather, Bryan Hextall, both played in the NHL, and his uncle Dennis Hextall also played professionally.

Playing career

Hextall played in the NHL from 1986 to 1999, mainly with the Philadelphia Flyers, with shorter stints in Quebec and New York. He was drafted in the 1982 NHL Draft in the 6th round, 119th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. His career statistics and awards reflect his standing as one of the era’s notable goaltenders. He played 608 regular-season games and won the Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy in 1987.

Style of play and milestones

He became famous for an aggressive, mobile style that challenged the usual role of a goaltender. He is remembered for scoring goals as a goalie, including a playoff goal in 1989, and for being among the most penalty-prone goaltenders in NHL history.

Front-office career

After retiring as a player, Hextall moved into hockey operations and held executive positions with NHL clubs, including assistant general manager and general manager roles.