John Vanbiesbrouck, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey, is serving as general manager of the U.S. National Junior Team for the second consecutive year. In his first year at the helm, the United States earned a silver medal at the 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.
The 2020 U.S. National Junior Team marks Vanbiesbrouck’s third stint as a staff member on a U.S. national team. In addition to his role with the 2019 U.S. National Junior Team, Vanbiesbrouck oversaw hockey operations duties for the 2019 U.S. Men’s National Team.
Inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007, Vanbiesbrouck enjoyed 20 seasons in the NHL and has previously represented the United States on the international stage as a player on nine occasions, including the Olympic Winter Games in 1998; two Canada Cups (1987, 1991), four IIHF Men’s World Championships (1985, 1987, 1989, 1991) and two IIHF World Junior Championships (1982, 1983).
A five-time NHL All-Star, Vanbiesbrouck earned the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender in the NHL in 1986 for his performance with the New York Rangers. Ten years later, he backstopped the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final before again reaching the Finals with the New Jersey Devils in 2001. In addition to his time with the Rangers, Panthers, and Devils, Vanbiesbrouck also skated with the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders. At the time of his retirement in 2002, Vanbiesbrouck’s 374 regular-season wins were the most-ever by an American netminder, a feat that stood until the 2018-19 season when Ryan Miller surpassed him. For his efforts with the Panthers, he was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
In his current role with USA Hockey, Vanbiesbrouck oversees all of USA Hockey’s international efforts, including its men’s, women’s and sled programs as well as the National Junior Development Program. Additionally, he plays a significant role in maintaining and enhancing USA Hockey’s relationships with key constituent groups, including the U.S. Olympic Committee and NHL. He began his volunteer work with USA Hockey in 2008 as an athlete director on the USA Hockey Board of Directors and was elected vice president and chair of the Junior Council in 2012, a position he held until joining the organization full-time in June 2018.
Prior to joining USA Hockey full-time, Vanbiebrouck served as general manager of the United States Hockey League’s Muskegon Lumberjacks. During his tenure, the Lumberjacks recorded a regular-season record of 162-115-6 (W-L-OTL), won the Eastern Conference title in 2015 and made three trips to the Clark Cup Playoffs, including an appearance in the Clark Cup Final in 2015.