SUNRISE, Fla. – Episode 18 of Chirping the Cats features the Florida Panthers original marquee player and a big part of the team's early success, goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck.
David and John discuss playing for legendary head coach Herb Brooks, a couple of amazing playoff runs, including Florida’s march to the 1996 Stanley Cup Final, his iconic Panthers goalie helmet, becoming an executive for USA Hockey and much more.
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1:10 – Playing for USA Hockey legend Herb Brooks as a 21-year-old NHL rookie
3:55 – 1986 playoff run with Rangers, defeating top two seeds in Eastern Conference
7:05 – Transitioning from Original Six team (Rangers) to brand new franchise (Florida)
10:50 – Developing a strong mentality, exceling as a smaller goaltender
16:10 – The "Rat Trick"
17:40 – Goalie fights during '96 playoff run; importance of having 'scrapability'
20:50 – One moment that stands out from Panthers '96 playoffs
22:00 – NHL's odd timing to enforce a stick taping rule during Stanley Cup Final
25:45 – Goaltending style changes; evolving with the game from stand-up to butterfly
32:35 – Sticking with Brown goalie equipment throughout his career
35:30 – Design story behind his iconic Panthers goalie helmet
37:20 – Transitioning from player to executive with USA Hockey
40:30 – Taking pride in Panthers drafting of USA Hockey goaltender Spencer Knight