Tom Preissing was a prominent defenseman for Colorado College from 1999 to 2003. In his senior season, he was a key leader for the Tigers, serving as team captain. That year, he had an exceptional offensive season, scoring 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points, setting a WCHA record for most goals by a defenseman in a single season. His stellar performance earned him a top-ten nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, along with being named an NCAA West First-Team All-American.

After his collegiate career, Preissing signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Jose Sharks in 2003. He made the NHL roster for the 2003-04 season, skipping the minors, and was named the Sharks’ Rookie of the Year. Preissing went on to play parts of six seasons in the NHL with the Sharks, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, and Colorado Avalanche. He had his most productive season in 2005-06 with San Jose, recording 43 points, and a career-best +40 plus-minus rating with Ottawa in 2006-07. He also played professionally in Europe, including stints in the German, Swiss, Swedish, and Finnish leagues.