He is the father of one of hockey's greatest families, as his sons Bryan Jr. and Dennis, and grandson Ron all had lengthy NHL careers.

[2] Hextall began his professional career in 1933–34 with the Vancouver Lions of the North West Hockey League (NWHL).

[1] He scored at least 20 goals seven times in his career, mainly while playing on the Rangers' top line with Phil Watson and Lynn Patrick.

Hextall scored a hat trick against the Leafs and added an assist to lead the Rangers to a come-from-behind victory in game two of the series,[5] and scored the overtime winning goal in the sixth game that clinched the third Stanley Cup championship in Rangers history.

[1] A second All-Star selection followed in 1940–41 as Hextall again led the NHL in goal scoring and finished in a tie for second in overall points.

[9] Hextall scored career highs in goals, 27, and points, 59, in 1942–43 and was again named a post-season All-Star, this time on the second team.

He was hospitalized with a liver ailment,[1] an illness that ruled him out of season after just three games, and led to fears it would end his career.

[4] His sons Bryan Jr. and Dennis both had long careers, and his grandson Ron was a longtime goaltender in the league.