John Van Boxmeer was a first round draft pick (14th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in 1972 and went on to an outstanding 10-year NHL career as a high-scoring defenseman with the Habs, Colorado Rockies, Buffalo Sabres and Quebec Nordiques.

John was part of Montreal’s 1975-76 Stanley Cup powerhouse team, playing behind Hall of Fame defensemen  Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe and Serge Savard. In search of consistent playing time, he was dealt to the Colorado Rockies in 1976 and established himself as a solid NHL blueliner with an improving, but struggling franchise.

When Scotty Bowman took over as GM in Buffalo he acquired John in exchange for Rene Robert and John delivered seasons of 51, 68 and 69 points from 1979-80 to 81-82.  By 1984, however, injuries would take their toll and his playing career ended —  but he soon embarked on a successful 25-year coaching career in the NHL, AHL, IHL and Swiss Elite Leagues.  He is now a pro scout with the Sabres.

John has great insights on his career at all levels and excellent stories to tell about hockey legend like Guy Lafleur and Bobby Orr.  He even recalls his infamous TKO loss to Dave “The Hammer” Shultz in 1976.

Host:  Mark Willand

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Mark Willand

Pro Hockey Alumni

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Boston Bruins Alumni