Hockeyhead

I may have been pretty young when Ron Hextall first burst onto the NHL scene with the Philadelphia Flyers, but my memories of him are vividly clear.

Perhaps it was the moustache, or his penchant for racking up penalty minutes, or his un-goalie like decision to rock the number 27; regardless of the reasons why, Ron Hextall remains today one of the most unique people to ever play the position.  Hextall was so loyal to his number 27, that even when the number was not available during his days as a New York Islander, he opted to reverse the number and wore 72.  I’d say that was odd for a goaltender, but I’ll keep my mouth shut so Ron doesn’t punch it in.

Goaltenders had been credited with goals in the past, but none had ever actually scored the goal.  Those that saw Hextall play knew that his puck-handling ability would allow him the opportunity to attempt to score.  On December 8, 1987 Hextall scored a goal against the Boston Bruins.  He would later score a goal in 1989 against the Washington Capitals, although the second time around came during the playoffs.