John Taft

John Philip Taft (born March 8, 1954 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is a retired professional ice hockey defenseman.

He played for the University of Wisconsin from 1972 to 1977. Taft also played for the United States in the 1973, 1974, and 1975 World Championships and the 1976 Olympics.

The Detroit Red Wings chose him 81st overall in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft while the Phoenix Roadrunners picked him 120th overall in the 1974 WHA Amateur Draft. Taft opted to go with the Wings.

He turned pro with the Kansas City Red Wings in 1977-78 and earned a 15 game callup to Detroit in 1978-79,, scoring two assists. However, he did not get up to the NHL again. In 1980 Taft signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues and played three seasons for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles. He retired in 1983.