RON HEXTALL

name: Ronald Hextall

born: May 3, 1964

birthplace: Brandon, Manitoba

height: 6'03"

weight: 200 lbs.

drafted: Philadelphia's 6th choice, 199th overall in 1982

(re)acquired:drafted in 1982, then was traded in the "Lindros deal" to Quebec.
Traded to NY Islanders with a first round draft pick (T. Bertuzzi) for 
M. Fitzpatrick and a first round draft choice in 1993
(A. Deadmarsh)on June 20, 1993.  The Flyers picked him up as a free agent in 1994.

nickname: Hexy

best season with...:

Flyers(1st time):  1986-87  66gp  2.17 gaa  37 wins   2 losses  1 tie   5 shutouts  .913 save%

Quebec:            1992-93  54gp  3.45 gaa  29 wins  16 losses  5 ties  0 shutouts  .888save%

Islanders:         1993-94  65gp  3.08 gaa  27 wins  26 losses  8 ties  5 shutouts .898 save%

Flyers:            1995-96  53gp  2.17 gaa  31 wins  13 losses  7 ties  4 shutouts .913 save% 

FAMILY

His father, Bryan Jr., his grandfather, Bryan Sr.,and his uncle, Dennis, all played in the NHL. Unfortunately, I don't know the names of his mother or his siblings)I know he has 3 bothers!). He is married. His wife's name is Diane. Ron and Diane have 4 kids, 2 daughters named Kristin and Rebecca and 2 sons named Brett and Jeffrey. Although hockey fans only see Ron's "crazier" side, Diane describes him as the perfect husband.

HOCKEY CAREER

When Ron was just a little kid, his family couldn't believe how big he was. Naturally his grandfather, father and uncle, who were all forwards wanted Ron to be a forward too. Ron knew exactly what position he wanted toplay, GOALIE!! At first Ron wasn't the greatest, but he had something other guys didn't have, heart. Ron improved steadily throughout his career, and when Bernie Parent saw him playing for the Wheat Kings, he knew Ron was going to be AMAZING! In Ron's rookie year he won the Vezina and the Conn Smythe, despite losing in the Finals. He also earned his spot on the First All Star team. He lost the Calder by one vote. On December 8, 1987 he went down in NHL history by scoring a goal against Boston. He was the first goalie to score directly into an opponents net. He did it again April 11th, 1989 this time against Washington in the playoffs. In 1991, Ron was part of the biggest trade in hockey, the Lindros deal. He found his way back to Philly soon enough. In the 1995-96 season Ron lead all goalies in G.A.A. and was 5th in save percentage. Yet he was ignored for even a nomination for the Vezina. I guess that's what happens when you're the most aggressive goalie ever, he once had 104 penalty minutes in only one season!! In the 1998-99 season Ron beat Bernie Parent's record as the winningest goalie in Flyers history. His record stands at 240 wins. Ron ended his career September 6, 1999 when he decided to retire. Besides the most wins, Ron also holds the Flyers records of most playoff wins and most playoff appearences.

Ron's post-playing career keeps him still actively involved in his favorite sport. Ron went from the ice to the office as one of Philadelphia's scouts. I wouldn't be surprised to see Hexy back down on the ice with the goalies after Reggie Lemelin is tired of being goalie coach.

By keeping his off season open Ron will undoubtably be spending lots of time at his favorite job, being a great father. Ron was known during his career to considering a "night out" to be getting some movies and a pizza and chilling out with his wife and kids. I, along with most Flyers fan I assume, wish Ron the best of luck with scouting and hope that he's just as happy as a leader in the front office as he was as a leader on the ice.

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