Jack Hextall has quickly become one of the most talked-about young hockey prospects after being selected by the Calgary Flames in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. While fans are excited about his future on the ice, many are equally curious about the family that helped shape his journey to professional hockey.
Jack comes from a respected hockey family with deep roots in the sport. His father, Cory Hextall, played college hockey and introduced him to the game at an early age. Although Jack’s mother has remained out of the public spotlight, he has often spoken warmly about the influence she has had on his competitive personality.
Here’s a closer look at Jack Hextall’s parents and the famous hockey lineage behind the rising NHL prospect.
Who Are Jack Hextall’s Parents?
Jack Hextall is the son of Cory Hextall, a former NCAA hockey player who spent four seasons competing at the collegiate level during the 1990s.
While Cory has been publicly involved in Jack’s hockey development, Jack’s mother has chosen to keep her personal life private. Her name has not been publicly disclosed, and the family has respected that privacy throughout Jack’s rise in the sport.
Despite staying away from the spotlight, she has clearly played an important role in his upbringing.
Cory Hextall’s Hockey Background
Long before Jack became an NHL prospect, his father was building his own hockey career.
Cory Hextall grew up in Wolseley, Saskatchewan, a small prairie town with a strong hockey culture. His passion for the game eventually took him to the United States, where he played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey.
Although he never reached the NHL, his experience at the college level provided valuable knowledge that he later passed on to his son.
Rather than pushing Jack toward success, Cory focused on helping him enjoy the game while learning its fundamentals.
His Father’s Biggest Influence
Jack has frequently credited his father for laying the foundation of his hockey career.
Cory coached Jack throughout his early years, remaining behind the bench until his son was around 13 years old.
Those seasons helped develop Jack’s skating, hockey sense, and confidence before he advanced into higher levels of competition.
Having a parent who understood both the physical and mental demands of hockey gave Jack an advantage as he progressed through youth leagues.
Even after stepping away as his coach, Cory continued supporting Jack’s development as a mentor and parent.
The Role of Jack’s Mother
Although little public information exists about Jack Hextall’s mother, Jack himself has shared stories that reveal her influence on his personality.
In interviews following the NHL Draft, he joked that his competitive nature comes directly from her.
According to Jack, she refuses to lose at family activities, whether it’s board games, card games, or even backyard cornhole.
Those playful stories highlight the competitive environment in which Jack grew up.
While she has avoided media attention, it’s clear that she has played an important role in encouraging determination, resilience, and confidence.
A Member of Hockey Royalty
Jack Hextall belongs to one of hockey’s best-known family trees.
The Hextall surname has been associated with professional hockey for generations, making Jack the latest member to continue the tradition.
Growing up around a family with such a rich hockey history exposed him to the sport long before he became a top prospect himself.
That heritage also brings additional expectations, something Jack has embraced throughout his development.
Connection to Ron Hextall
One of the most recognizable names in Jack’s extended family is Ron Hextall.
Ron, the legendary NHL goaltender and longtime executive, is Cory Hextall’s first cousin.
During his playing career, Ron became famous for his fiery competitiveness, aggressive style, and historic ability to score goals as a goaltender.
He later transitioned into NHL management, serving in executive roles with several franchises.
Although Jack plays center rather than goalie, many fans have been fascinated by the family connection.
The Hextall Legacy
The Hextall family’s hockey roots stretch back even further.
Jack is connected to one of Canada’s most respected hockey lineages, which includes Hall of Fame forward Bryan Hextall Sr.
Bryan enjoyed an outstanding NHL career and helped establish the Hextall name as one of hockey’s most recognizable families.
Over multiple generations, members of the family have contributed as players, coaches, and executives, making the Hextall name synonymous with the sport.
Jack now has the opportunity to write the next chapter in that remarkable story.
Jack’s Rise to the NHL
Jack earned national attention during an outstanding season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL.
His offensive production, two-way play, and leadership helped him establish himself as one of the top centers available in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The Calgary Flames recognized his potential by selecting him with the 30th overall pick in the opening round.
For Jack, the selection represented years of hard work supported by his family from childhood through his junior hockey career.
What’s Next for Jack Hextall?
Although drafted by Calgary, Jack plans to continue his development at Michigan State University.
Competing in NCAA Division I hockey will give him additional time to refine his game before making the jump to the professional ranks.
The Flames view him as an important part of their future, and college hockey offers an excellent environment for continued growth.
With strong family support and a respected hockey background, Jack appears well-positioned for the next stage of his career.
Final Thoughts
Jack Hextall’s journey to the NHL has been shaped by both talent and family support. His father, Cory Hextall, introduced him to hockey and coached him through his formative years, while his mother helped develop the competitive mindset that Jack often credits for his success.
Combined with the rich Hextall hockey legacy, those influences have helped transform Jack into one of the NHL’s most exciting young prospects. As he begins his collegiate career at Michigan State before eventually joining the Calgary Flames, the next generation of the Hextall family is ready to make its own mark on professional hockey.