JOHN-MICHAEL LILES
John-Michael Liles was born on November 25, 1980 in Indianapolis, Indiana. After playing for the renowned powerhouse Culver Academy for his first two years of high school, Liles was invited and selected to play for the USA National Team Development Program based in Ann Arbor Michigan where he was a key component of the 17U and 18U's defensive core. Following his stint with the national team, John-Michael was recruited to play for Michigan State University and led defense in scoring as a Freshman. He would go on to lead his entire team in points as a Junior and Senior, earning him second-team All-American honors and ending his NCAA career as a Hobey Baker Finalist.
The Colorado Avalanche selected Liles in the 5th round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He made his professional debut immediately following his impressive NCAA career with the Avalanche American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears. In 2003, Liles made the Avalanche's leading all NHL rookie defensemen in scoring with 34 points in 79 games earning him NHL's all-rookie team honors.
Liles headed the blueline crew for the Avs for 8 total seasons (2003-2011), playing one season overseas in Germany during the lockout. John-Michael made franchise and NHL history when he recorded an assist in 9 consecutive games to start the 2010-11 season.
Liles was traded to Toronto in 2011. He played six more seasons in the NHL for the Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins. Liles finished his NHL career just last season (2016-17), ending up with 87 goals and 283 assists for 370 career points.
Liles returned to Colorado Avalanche serving as a Community Ambassador as well as working on the Learn to Play program, which helps grow the game of hockey throughout the state of Colorado. John-Michael lives in Vail, CO with his wife Erin and daughter.