Dennis Hextall was introduced to the game of hockey by his father, Hall of Famer Bryan Hextall. He spent his childhood playing hockey in open air rinks at Poplar Point. Hextall was a small kid, and his competition was often older. He often found himself being pushed around on the ice, forcing him to grow into a physical player. His flaming red hair matched a temper that would become a trade mark of his hockey style. Hextall enrolled himself in boxing lessons after high school, and there he gained the confidence "to drop the gloves", that is, with anyone willing to participate.

Despite his small stature, Hextall developed into a solid player under the influence and teaching of his dad, and coach Lin Bend. As a young adult he found himself part of the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey team.

Dennis Hextall was as serious about his education as he was about hockey. Indulging his mom, Gert, he began his studies in pre-dentistry. Ironically, his opponents had the potential to be his best customers. That thought was too much for Hextall. He continued to study science, earning a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in biology with a minor in natural science.

From the NCAA, Hextall worked his way into the professional ranks. The left-winger 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. Hextall played five seasons with the North Stars. One of his fondest memories in hockey was scoring a hat trick on a night when his dad was in the stands watching. Although his dad was very humble in regards to his own play, Hextall recalls his dad walking around with his chest stuck out, saying “a chip off the old block”.

After his stint with the North Stars, Hextall played four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. His final two seasons were spent with the Washington Capitals where he retired with 681 games under his belt. In his thirteen NHL seasons, he recorded a total of 153 goals, 350 assists, 503 points, and 1398 penalty minutes.

Hextall credits the game of hockey for taking a boy from the prairies to experience worldly places and meet people he never dreamed of encountering. That is why he continues to give back to the game. Hextall is the President of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni who constantly fundraise for various charities. Now retired, he consults for minor hockey, spending 4-6 hours a night, helping develop players from beginners to major junior. His involvement comes naturally, from watching his dad and Lin Bend spend countless hours coaching hockey throughout his childhood.

Dennis Hextall has come full circle in his hockey career, and now joins his dad Bryan as a member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.