Paul Ranheim is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on January 25, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Edina, Minnesota. Ranheim began his hockey career playing for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played for four seasons from 1984 to 1988. During his college career, he was a two-time All-American and helped lead the Badgers to the NCAA championship in 1986.
After college, Ranheim was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the second round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Flames during the 1988-89 season and quickly established himself as a reliable forward. He played for the Flames for six seasons, from 1988 to 1994, and was a key member of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 1989. During his time with the Flames, Ranheim was known for his hard work, physical play, and ability to score timely goals.
In 1994, Ranheim was traded to the Hartford Whalers, where he played for two seasons before being traded again to the Phoenix Coyotes. He played for the Coyotes for three seasons, from 1996 to 1999, and was a consistent scorer during his time there. In 1999, Ranheim signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. He played for the Hurricanes for two seasons, from 2001 to 2003, before retiring from professional hockey.
Throughout his NHL career, Ranheim was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. He played both center and wing and was often used on the penalty kill. He was also known for his leadership and was a respected veteran in the locker room. In total, Ranheim played in 1,013 NHL games, scoring 165 goals and 348 points.
After retiring from hockey, Ranheim returned to his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he served as an assistant coach for the men's hockey team from 2003 to 2005. He then moved on to coach at the youth level, working with the Madison Capitols and the Edina Hockey Association. In 2011, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding career as a player and coach.
In conclusion, Paul Ranheim was a talented and hardworking player who had a successful career in the NHL. He was a key member of the Calgary Flames team that won the Stanley Cup in 1989 and was a consistent scorer and leader throughout his career. After retiring from hockey, he continued to give back to the sport by coaching at the youth and college levels.
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