Cliff Ronning is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 17 seasons. He was born on October 1, 1965, in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Ronning began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the New Westminster Bruins in 1982. He played for the Bruins for three seasons before being drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the seventh round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.
Ronning made his NHL debut with the Blues in the 1985-86 season and played for them for four seasons. He then played for the Vancouver Canucks for six seasons, where he had his most successful years. Ronning was a key player for the Canucks during their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1993-94 season. He scored 85 points in the regular season and added 21 points in the playoffs, helping the Canucks reach the Finals for the first time since 1982. Although the Canucks lost to the New York Rangers in the Finals, Ronning's performance was a highlight of the team's playoff run.
After his time with the Canucks, Ronning played for several other NHL teams, including the Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and New York Islanders. He also played in Europe for a season, playing for HC Davos in Switzerland.
Throughout his NHL career, Ronning was known for his speed, skill, and playmaking ability. He was a consistent scorer and playmaker, finishing his career with 306 goals and 869 points in 1,137 games. He was also a reliable player defensively, often playing on the penalty kill and finishing his career with a plus-minus rating of +73.
Ronning retired from professional hockey in 2004 at the age of 38. After his playing career, he became involved in coaching and player development. He has worked as a coach and consultant for several teams, including the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League and the Vancouver Canucks.
In addition to his hockey career, Ronning is also known for his charitable work. He has been involved in several organizations, including the Canucks for Kids Fund, which raises money for children's charities in British Columbia. He has also been involved in the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Overall, Cliff Ronning had a successful and productive NHL career, playing for several teams and earning a reputation as a skilled and reliable player. He was a key player for the Canucks during their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994 and continued to be a valuable player throughout his career. After retiring from playing, he has continued to be involved in hockey and charitable work, making a positive impact both on and off the ice.
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