John Vanbiesbrouck

John Vanbiesbrouck was an ice hockey goaltender who won the NHL Vezina Trophy in 1986, emblematic of the top goaltender in the league. He also holds the NHL record for most victories by an American-born goaltender, with 374 wins. Vanbiesbrouck started in Ontario Junior A hockey with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, but was called up to the New York Rangers in 1981. VBK played 12 years with the Rangers, through the 1993 season. He then spent five years with the Florida Panthers. He finished his NHL career with two seasons split between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils.

Vanbiesbrouck had an extensive international hockey record, in addition to his 1998 Winter Olympic appearance. He played for the USA at the 1982 and 1983 World Junior Championships and at the 1987 and 1991 Canada Cups, winning a silver medal in 1991. VBK also appeared at four World Championships – 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1991.

In addition to his Vezina Trophy, the Beezer was a first-team 1986 NHL All-Star, and was second-team in 1994. He played in the NHL All-Star game in 1994, 1996, and 1997. Vanbiesbrouck was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in October 2007. In 2018 he was hired by USA Hockey as the assistant executive director of hockey operations and would be involved with selecting players for the US national teams.