Bryan Hextall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bryan Hextall |
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| Hockey Hall of Fame, 1969 | |||
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| Born | July 31, 1913 Grenfell, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Died | July 25, 1984 (aged 70) Poplar Point, Manitoba, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | ||
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb) | ||
| Position | Right wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | New York Rangers | ||
| Playing career | 1933–1948 | ||
Bryan Aldwyn Hextall (born July 31, 1913 – died July 25, 1984) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He was a forward who played for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Many people thought he was one of the best wingers in the 1940s.
Bryan Hextall led the NHL in goal scoring twice. He also led the league in total points once. He was chosen as a first-team All-Star three times. He was also a second-team All-Star once.
Hextall scored the winning goal in overtime during the 1940 Stanley Cup Finals. This goal helped the Rangers win the Stanley Cup. He is part of a famous hockey family. His sons, Bryan Jr. and Dennis, played in the NHL. His grandson, Ron, was also a longtime NHL player. Bryan Hextall Sr. was added to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969.
Contents
Bryan Hextall: A Hockey Legend
Early Days and First Steps in Hockey
Bryan Hextall was born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1913. He grew up in Poplar Point, Manitoba. This is where he first started playing hockey. In 1929–30, his team won the Manitoba juvenile championship.
He played junior hockey with the Winnipeg Monarchs in 1931–32. Then, he moved to the Portage Terriers. In 1932–33, he won the scoring title in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Becoming a Professional Player
Hextall started his professional career in 1933–34. He played for the Vancouver Lions in the North West Hockey League (NWHL). He played three seasons in Vancouver. In 1935–36, he led the NWHL in scoring with 27 goals.
The next year, he joined the Philadelphia Ramblers. This team was in the International-American Hockey League. He again led the league in goals, scoring 27.
Joining the New York Rangers
The New York Rangers first called Hextall up for three games in 1937. He joined the team full-time in the 1937–38 season. Hextall shot the puck with his left hand. He played as a right wing, which was called his "off wing." This was not common practice back then.
He scored at least 20 goals in seven different seasons. He mostly played on the Rangers' top line. His linemates were Phil Watson and Lynn Patrick.
Stanley Cup Hero and Top Scorer
In the 1939–40 season, Hextall led the NHL in goals. He was also named a first-team All-Star for the first time. He was a key player for the Rangers in the 1940 Stanley Cup Finals. They played against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Hextall scored a hat trick (three goals) against the Leafs in game two. He also had an assist. This helped the Rangers win that game after being behind. In game six, he scored the winning goal in overtime. This goal won the Rangers their third Stanley Cup championship. The Rangers would not win another Stanley Cup for 54 years.
More All-Star Seasons
Hextall was chosen as an All-Star again in 1940–41. He led the NHL in goal scoring once more. He also finished tied for second in total points. In 1941–42, he led the league in points with 56. This was seven points more than the second-place player. He was also named to the first All-Star team for the third year in a row.
In 1942–43, Hextall scored his career bests. He had 27 goals and 59 points. He was again named a post-season All-Star, this time to the second team.
Overcoming Challenges
Besides being a top scorer, Hextall was also very tough. He played in 340 games in a row for the Rangers. This streak lasted from 1937 to 1944. His streak ended in 1944. Canadian authorities did not allow him to travel to the United States. The Rangers tried to get him back, but it did not work. Since he could not play in the NHL, Hextall played senior hockey. He briefly played for the St. Catharines Saints.
When World War II ended, Hextall returned to the Rangers in 1945–46. However, his return was short. He became sick with a liver problem. This illness kept him out for most of the season. Doctors worried it might end his career. But Hextall surprised everyone. He played in all 60 games for the Rangers in 1946–47.
Retirement and Hall of Fame
After one more NHL season in 1947–48, Hextall retired. He played part of the 1948–49 season in the American Hockey League. He played for the Cleveland Barons and Washington Lions.
Bryan Hextall was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969. He is also an honored member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. The Manitoba hall also named him to its all-century second All-Star team.
Off the Ice and Family
Bryan Hextall was the first of three generations of Hextalls to play in the NHL. His sons, Bryan Jr. and Dennis, both had long careers. His grandson, Ron, was a famous goaltender in the league.
After he retired, Hextall had problems with his legs. This led to him having both legs amputated below the knee in 1978. But he used artificial legs. This allowed him to keep enjoying his hobby of hunting. He passed away from a heart attack at his home in Poplar Point, Manitoba, in 1984.
Images for kids
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Bryan Hextall 1938.jpg
Bryan Hextall in 1938
