The International Hockey League (IHL) announced Wednesday that Dennis Hextall has been named President/Commissioner of the league. He will begin his duties as Commissioner on Tuesday, September 8th.
"We are very pleased to have Dennis Hextall as the Commissioner of the International Hockey League,” stated Michael Franke, IHL Chairman of the Board. “He brings tremendous experience and integrity to the league. We feel he will be a key part of the continued growth of the IHL.”
Hextall attended the University of North Dakota on a scholarship, where he played for the Fighting Sioux for two years before making the jump to professional hockey. He began his professional playing career with the Knoxville Knights of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).
During his professional career, Hextall played 681 games in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing for the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, California Golden Seals, Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings and the Washington Capitals. Hextall served as Captain with Minnesota and Detroit, while with the Capitals, he served as a player/coach. He was a two-time NHL All-Star game participant, playing in the 1974 and 1975 games. He hung up the skates after the 1979-80 season, retiring after playing 13 years in the NHL.
Hextall is the son of New York Ranger great and Hall-of-Famer Bryan Hextall, Sr. His brother, Bryan Jr. also broke into the NHL, playing 569 games, while his nephew, Ron Hextall made a name for himself between the pipes, playing most of his 13-year NHL career with the Philadelphia Flyers.
"I am thrilled to be taking on this new challenge,” stated Dennis Hextall, President/Commissioner of the IHL. “I am ready for the fun, exciting future that lies ahead with the IHL. The opportunity to grow personally and professionally with this league is something I look forward to"
