The Hockey Legacy of Ron Hextall
Born in Brandon, Manitoba, Ron Hextall was steeped in hockey royalty as the grandson of Hall of Famer Bryan Hextall Sr. and nephew of Dennis Hextall. His aggressive, almost reckless style of play emerged early, as he famously challenged opposing players to fights during junior hockey games. The Philadelphia Flyers drafted him in 1982, and by 1986, he had seized the starting job with a blend of acrobatic saves and a willingness to slash anyone who dared encroach on his crease.
Hextall's 1986-87 rookie season was a masterclass in audacity. He backstopped the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final, posting a 2.77 GAA and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy—a rare feat for a losing player. His infamous two-handed slash on Edmonton's Kent Nilsson in the Final became a defining moment, showcasing his unyielding intensity. In 1987, he made history by becoming the first goalie to score a goal by shooting into an empty net, a feat he repeated in 1989, further cementing his legend.
Later years saw Hextall battle injuries and suspensions, but his impact endured. After retiring in 1999, he transitioned into front-office roles, including GM of the Flyers, where his bold moves mirrored his playing style. Today, Hextall's legacy lives on in every modern goalie who ventures beyond the crease, a testament to his trailblazing spirit.
- The Slash Heard 'Round the World: Game 4 of the 1987 Final, where Hextall's vicious two-hander on Nilsson sparked a brawl and summed up his 'win-at-all-costs' mentality.
- Pioneering Puck-Handler: His 1987 empty-net goal against Boston, a jaw-dropping 180-foot heave that stunned the hockey world.
- Playoff Warrior: The 1987 Conn Smythe run, where he dragged an undermanned Flyers team to within one game of the Cup.
- Penalty Box Regular: His 113 PIM in 1988-89, a record for goalies, proving he feared no one—not even referees.
- Legacy of Chaos: How Hextall's fiery play inspired a generation of hybrid goalies, from Martin Brodeur to Mike Smith.