Ron Hextall: How A True Broad Street Bully Changed the NHL Forever

Goal-Scorer. Playmaker. Fighter. Puck Handler. Goalie. Ron Hextall's fired up style of play became his signature style during his NHL career.

Besides holding the record for the most penalty minutes in a season by a goaltender with 113, Hextall's puck-handling skills made the dump and chase almost impossible for any team.

Hextall was one of the most aggressive goalies ever to play the game. Skaters who stood in front of him were hacked and slashed.

In 1987, Hextall won the Vezina Trophy (NHL's Best Goaltender), the Conn Smythe Trophy (NHL Playoff MVP), and was also apart of the NHL All-Rookie Team.

He is most remembered that year for his slash against Edmonton Oilier Kent Nilsson during the Stanley Cup Finals, during which any Oilier who got in his way was hacked.

In 1989, he left his crease and attacked Montreal Canadien Chris Chelios in retaliation of a hit on Brian Propp which left Propp with a concussion. Hextall received a five minute major and was suspended for 12 games. 

Hextall is also known for being one of the first goalies to ever score a goal. During a game in 1987 against the Boston Bruins, Hextall fired the puck into an empty net across the ice in which the goalie was pulled for an extra attacker.

He repeated this feat in 1989 against the Capitals.

Hextall was named to the Philadelphia Flyer Hall of Fame in 2008 and is the assistant GM of the Los Angles Kings. Hextall's son was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2008 and would be the fourth generation Hextall to play in the NHL.

Ron Hextall revolutionized the role of NHL goaltending. He was by far one of the most exciting goaltenders to watch and changed the sport forever. His fiery play and fantastic puck-handling will forever go down as one of the best in hockey history.