On Friday, the Calgary Flames selected Youngstown Phantoms forward Jack Hextall with the 30th overall selection during the National Hockey League’s Entry Draft. 

Hextall spent the past two seasons in the United States Hockey League with the Phantoms and saw his point production jump in his second season with the club. After recording 34 points through 54 games during his first season with the Phantoms, Hextall totalled 20 goals and 38 assists, good for the fourth-most points among any Phantoms skater with 58 across his 59 games.

For his efforts during the season, Hextall was named to the USA’s under-18 team for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and was a major factor in helping the team capture gold. In five games, Hextall posted two goals and five assists, including three points during the gold medal-winning contest. 

Hextall is set to join Michigan State next season as he leaps to the next level during his hockey career. With a powerful lineup in Lansing, Michigan, next season, Hextall has the opportunity to have a strong year and earn himself looks for the upcoming World Junior Championships that will take place in Edmonton in 2027. 

Hextall’s father is the cousin of former NHL goaltender and executive Ron Hextall.