Jaxx Hextall congrats Toronto Legion on winning the cup

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The Toronto Legion have broken a long cup drought for the franchise, one that stretches back to season 65, in what was the second win of back to back cup winning seasons. Since that time the Toronto had a very hard time finding any level of success. The Legion had no made it to the finals since S65 till S91, and perhaps most interestingly the opponent they ran into was the Helsinki Titans, the same team they had to beat back in season 65 for the cup. Interesting how things work themselves out hey? The win back then was a nail biter of four to three, this one was four to two, not much difference. Jaxx Hextall knows the struggles of the Toronto Legion very well, he played at their starting goaltender from season 71 to season 77. He played in 454 games for the franchise and posted a record of 210-182-48 while in blue. His number 54 has been retired by the club.

 

During Hextall's time there the team only made the playoffs three times, in season 72, 74 and 77, with season 74 being their deepest run. General manager Peace did everything he could to right franchise but he didn't have a lot to work with when he took over the club and unfortunately many of the draft picks just never turned out for the team. Hextall remained committed to the team the whole way through and while he say he wouldn't change anything if he could go back in time, he does feel some responsibility. "There was a trade on the table at one point, somewhere in season 76 or 77, I can't remember for sure. But I declined it as I wanted to finish my career in Toronto. When I look back I can't help but feel I may have forced Peace's hand, for him to try and get the team good enough for one more run in the playoffs instead of entering a full on rebuild when the team needed it. I'm happy I stayed but I also realize I may have just made things harder for Peace too."

 

Jaxx Hextall, believe it or not, is still playing Hockey. Since leaving the VHL he was picked up by the San Jose Sharks and has been playing there ever since. He's still the franchise's starting goaltender even though he's nearing 40 years old. "I just love playing hockey, I love playing goal, it's where my heart is at. My body still feels like it can go so I just keep going. I don't know how long I will continue down this road but my play hasn't fallen apart yet so I just want to keep going. Makes me wonder what Lafontaine and Spyro think, that I'm still going." Hextall was at the cup winning game and got to go into the locker room to hang out with the guys, he never touched the cup though. "My time in the league is long gone, it's not my trophy to hold or touch. I just wanted to congratulate the guys on winning it. With how short one's time in the VHL can be it's really something special to hold up that cup, you don't have those 15, 20 season long careers in the VHL like to do in NHL or most other leagues really."

 

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claiming for doubles as well