skip navigation

John Vanbiesbrouck

BIRTHPLACE: Detroit, Mich.

BORN: September 4, 1963

TEAMS/ASSOCIATIONS: New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, U.S. Olympic Team

 

Bio

John Vanbiesbrouck’s 20-year (1981-82/1983-2002) NHL career represents the longest tenure for an American-developed goaltender in NHL history. Over that span, he played in 882 games and recorded 374 wins, the most ever for an American-born netminder. In addition, he posted 40 career shutouts and a 2.98 goals-against average. Vanbiesbrouck spent time with the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, and played in three NHL All-Star Games (1994, 1996, 1997).

Vanbiesbrouck was honored with the NHL’s Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender in 1986 and was a runner-up for the award in 1994. He was also a member of the 1991-92 Rangers team that won the President’s Trophy and led the 1995-96 Panthers to the Stanley Cup Finals in only their third year of play. Internationally, Vanbiesbrouck played in the 1998 Olympic Winter Games, four world championships, two Canada Cups and two world junior championships.