On December 27, 1997, John Vanbiesbrouck became just the second American-born goaltender to post 300 victories in the NHL (two months after Tom Barrasso had become the first). Internationally, Vanbiesbrouck first represented the United States at the World Junior Championships in 1982 and 1983. He also played for his country at the World Championships in 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1991.
Vanbiesbrouck was a member of the United States Canada Cup team in 1987 and 1991. In 1991, he shared netminder duties with Rangers teammate Mike Richter as the U.S. reached the final before being swept by Canada in two straight games. Injuries kept Vanbiesbrouck out of the World Cup of Hockey in 1996, but he was a member of the U.S. Olympic hockey team at Nagano in 1998. |