Is Leah Hextall Related to Ron Hextall? Who is Leah Hextall?

Is Leah Hextall Related to Ron Hextall?

Yes, Leah Hextall is related to Ron Hextall. She comes from a prominent hockey family, with Ron Hextall being her cousin. Ron had a distinguished career as a goaltender in the NHL, playing primarily for the Philadelphia Flyers, where he won the Vezina Trophy in 1987.

He is also recognized in the Flyers' Hall of Fame for his contributions to the team both as a player and later as a General Manager. Ron Hextall's influence in hockey extended beyond his playing days, as he also served as the General Manager for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2021 to 2023.

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Who is Leah Hextall?

Leah Hextall, born around 1981, is a prominent Canadian sports journalist and ice hockey play-by-play broadcaster. She achieved significant milestones in her career, making history as the first woman to call play-by-play for a nationally televised NHL game in March 2020. This groundbreaking moment was part of Sportsnet's inaugural all-female broadcast team.

Prior to this, Leah Hextall also broke barriers by becoming the first woman to provide play-by-play commentary for an NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship game in 2019, broadcasted by ESPN. Her career highlights extend beyond hockey broadcasting; she has covered various prestigious hockey events, including the NHL and IIHF World Championships.

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Leah Hextall Career

Leah Hextall began her career in broadcasting after graduating from the Columbia Academy of Radio, Television and Recording Arts in 2003. She worked for CTV Winnipeg from 2005 to 2012, and then hosted NESN Sports Today from 2012 to 2014. In 2014, she joined Sportsnet as a studio host for Calgary Flames broadcasts. After being let go in 2016, Hextall pursued play-by-play announcing, encouraged by veteran broadcasters Mike "Doc" Emrick and Cassie Campbell-Pascall.

Her play-by-play debut was for Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) games in January 2018. Hextall has also called games for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL). She hosts a segment called "Hextall on Hockey" on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg, addressing topics like sexism in hockey. In 2021, ESPN hired her as a play-by-play announcer, making her the first woman to hold this role for national TV broadcasts of NHL games.

Leah Hextall Age

Leah Hextall was born around 1981, making her approximately 42–43 years old as of 2024. She hails from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.

Who is Ron Hextall?

Ron Hextall, born May 3, 1964, is a former professional ice hockey goaltender and executive from Canada. He played 13 seasons in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, Quebec Nordiques, and New York Islanders. Hextall is renowned for his aggressive playing style and being the first NHL goalie to score a goal by shooting the puck into the opponent's net, achieving this feat twice. He won the Vezina Trophy in his rookie season (1986–87) and led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy despite the team’s loss.

Hextall's career also included significant time as an NHL executive. He served as assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Kings and was part of their 2012 Stanley Cup-winning team. He later became the general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers and most recently held the same position with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hextall's innovative and aggressive style has left a lasting impact on the role of NHL goaltenders.

Ron Hextall Career

Here is a detailed overview of Ron Hextall's career:

Junior Hockey Career

1980-81 Season (Melville Millionaires, SJHL)

• Played 37 games with a GAA of 6.57.
• Faced 105 shots and made 84 saves in one game against the Prince Albert Raiders.
• Despite the team losing 21-2, his performance was praised.
• Inducted into the SJHL Hall of Fame in 2009.

1981-82 Season (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

• Played 30 regular season games with a GAA of 5.71.
• Team reached playoffs but were swept 4-0 by the Regina Pats.
• Played in three playoff games with a GAA of 9.32.

1982-83 Season (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

• Played 44 games with a GAA of 5.77.
• Team did not qualify for playoffs.

1983-84 Season (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)

• Played 46 regular season games with a GAA of 4.29.
• Team reached playoffs, Hextall played in 10 games with a GAA of 3.75.
• Set record for most penalty minutes by a goaltender with 117.

Early Professional Career

1984-85 Season (Kalamazoo Wings, IHL and Hershey Bears, AHL)

• Played 19 games for Kalamazoo with a GAA of 4.35.
• Played 11 games for Hershey with a GAA of 3.68.

1985-86 Season (Hershey Bears, AHL)

• Played 53 games with a GAA of 3.41.
• Named AHL’s outstanding rookie player with the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award.
• Team reached Calder Cup final but lost.

Philadelphia Flyers (First Stint)

1986-87 Season

• Made NHL debut and played 66 regular season games with a GAA of 3.00.
• Won the Vezina Trophy for outstanding goaltender.
• Led Flyers to Stanley Cup Finals, awarded Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

1987-88 Season

• Scored an empty-net goal, first NHL goalie to shoot and score.
• Played 62 games with a GAA of 3.50.
• Flyers eliminated in first round of playoffs.

1988-89 Season

• Recorded 113 penalty minutes, highest for an NHL goalie.
• Played 62 games with a GAA of 3.25.
• Flyers reached Patrick Division Final.

1989-90 Season

• Contract dispute led to a 42-day holdout.
• Played 8 games due to injuries with a GAA of 4.15.

1990-91 Season

• Played 36 games with a GAA of 3.13.
• Flyers did not make the playoffs.

1991-92 Season

• Played 45 games with a GAA of 3.32.
• Flyers again missed the playoffs.

Quebec Nordiques

1992-93 Season

• Traded to Quebec as part of the Eric Lindros deal.
• Helped Nordiques reach playoffs with improved performance.
• Team eliminated in first round, praised for his play.

New York Islanders

1993-94 Season

• Traded to Islanders, struggled initially.
• Regained form, recorded a career-best 5 shutouts.
• Islanders swept in first round of playoffs, Hextall had a poor performance.

Return to Philadelphia Flyers

1994-95 Season

• Played 31 games with a GAA of 2.89.
• Flyers reached Conference Final, lost to New Jersey Devils.

1995-96 Season

• Played 52 games with a GAA of 2.17, best in NHL that year.
• Flyers reached second round of playoffs.

1996-97 to 1998-99 Seasons

• Continued strong performance, added nine shutouts over two seasons.
• Flyers consistently made playoffs but did not win the Stanley Cup.

Later Career and Retirement

1999-2000 Season

• Played limited games due to injuries.
• Retired at the end of the season.
• Known for his aggressive style and as a pioneering goaltender who could play the puck.

Ron Hextall Age

Ron Hextall was born on May 3, 1964, making him 60 years old as of 2024. He is a former professional ice hockey goaltender and executive.