John-Michael Liles Named To 2006 U.S. Olympic Team
12/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Dec. 21, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Former Michigan State hockey standout defenseman John-Michael Liles (1999-03) has been selected to represent the U.S. at the 2006 Olympics, scheduled for Feb. 15-26 in Torino, Italy.
Liles (Zionsville, Ind.) is one of 12 American-born players making their Olympic debut, and one of two rookie defensemen representing the United States. However, Liles has plenty of USA Hockey experience, including appearances at the 2005 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Liles also was a member of the 1998-99 U.S. National U-18 Team and the 1997-98 U.S. National U-17 Team before beginning his collegiate career at Michigan State. Liles has donned the Red, White and Blue in 150 games, scoring 15 goals and adding 37 assists for 52 points. He also was named to the 2000 U.S. National Junior team, but a shoulder injury prevented him from seeing action in any games.
Last season, Liles played 17 games for the Iserlohn Roosters in the German Elite League, tallying five goals and six assists. In 2003-04, Liles made his debut for the National Hockey League's Colorado Avalanche, scoring 10 goals and 24 helpers. His 34 points in 79 games was the best for all NHL rookie blueliners, and landed Liles a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.
The two-time All-American led all Spartans in scoring as a senior in 2002-03 when he tallied 50 points (16 goals, 32 assists), becoming the first player to register 50 points in a season since Shawn Horcoff registered 65 in 1999-2000. His 16 goals put him behind only Steve Beadle for most goals by a rearguard in a season. Liles also was one of 10 finalists for the 2003 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given annually to college hockey's best player.
Liles finished his career at Michigan State with 44 goals and 94 assists for 138 points in 162 games. His 138 career points rank third among MSU defensemen, while his 44 goals are the most scored by a Spartan blueliner in MSU hockey history.
Beyond the numbers game, Liles also has an innate playmaker's skill and the work ethic that impresses the hockey world that make him a valuable asset to any hockey team. His speed and shifty skating make him a constant scoring threat, and his slap shot has screamed past many goalies.
"He has a great sense with the puck on his stick, and that can't be taught," former Michigan State hockey head coach and current athletic director Ron Mason said. "It takes a special player to reach the Olympic level, and J.M. is that - he's a good person that has demonstrated his ability to play the game with a great work ethic and he's a team player. That type of player is what they want playing for the U.S. in the Olympics."
Current MSU hockey head coach Rick Comley, who coached Liles during the 2002-03 season, also had plenty of praise for the former Spartan standout.
"J.M. is the type of player for all situations," Comley said. "You can put him in the game when the pressure is on or when you're ahead. He can kill penalties and anchor the power play. He's a non-stop player, and he reacts very well to pressure. J.M.'s quality of play is exceptional, and I'm sure he'll have an exciting Olympics."
Liles is the first American-born Spartan hockey alumnus to represent the U.S. in Olympic competition since Kevin Miller participated in the 1988 Olympics. Rod Brind'Amour is the last former Spartan to participate in the Olympics as a member of the 1998 Canadian Olympic team.
Liles and the 2006 U.S. Olympic team begin their quest for a gold medal on Feb. 15 against Latvia.
