John Vanbiesbrouck

Who is John Vanbiesbrouck?

John "Beezer" Vanbiesbrouck is an American professional ice hockey executive and former player. A goaltender as a player, he was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. Vanbiesbrouck played in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils. He began his career playing major junior hockey for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. Following a successful season with the Greyhounds, he was drafted by the New York Rangers in the fourth round, 72nd overall, in the 1981 NHL Draft. After his junior career ended, he played for the Rangers minor league affiliate, the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League. Despite the team's near collapses due to financial concerns, Vanbiesbrouck led the Oilers to a league championship and shared the league's MVP honors.

He began playing full-time with the Rangers in the 1984–85 season. Vanbiesbrouck won the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender and was named a First Team NHL All-Star the following season.