 John Van Boxmeer was considered a top prospect, and was drafted 14th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1972.He was so highly regarded that he began his professional career by travelling to Moscow for the 1972 Summit Series at the request of tournament organizer Alan Eagleson, though he did not play in the famous series.He played 46 games for the Stanley Cup champion Canadiens in 1975–76, but his name, for unknown reasons, was left off the cup.