Dennis Hextall

Lore & Background

Hextall was born in Poplar Point, Manitoba. He won a national championship with the University of North Dakota. He led the NHL western conference in assists. He led the North Stars in assists, points and penalty minutes while serving as assistant captain. As captain of the Red Wings he ended the playoff drought of the 70s by leading Detroit to the 2nd round of the 1978 playoffs. He served as assistant captain-player/coach to end his career with the Washington Capitals. He served multiple years as the president of the Red Wing Alumni. He served as Commissioner of the IHL.

Reader's Guide

Hextall played two years at the University of North Dakota, then played briefly in the Eastern Hockey League, Central Professional Hockey League, and American Hockey League. He broke into the NHL with the New York Rangers during the 1968 playoffs. Over the next few years he jumped back and forth between the AHL and NHL, spending time with the Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and California Golden Seals. In 1972 he secured a spot with the Minnesota North Stars, for whom he played five seasons as assistant captain. He then spent four seasons as captain with the Detroit Red Wings and two more with the Washington Capitals. In thirteen NHL seasons he played 681 games and recorded 153 goals, 350 assists, 503 points, and 1398 penalty minutes.

Did You Know?

• He is the son of Bryan Hextall, brother of Bryan Hextall Jr., uncle of Ron Hextall and sportscaster Leah Hextall, and great-uncle of AHL player Brett Hextall.
• He was named President and Commissioner of the International Hockey League in September 2009.
• He is an 'Honoured Member' of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and a member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (2008).