Paul Ranheim had a standout collegiate hockey career with the University of Wisconsin Badgers from 1984 to 1988, graduating as one of the school’s all-time leading scorers. His success culminated in his senior year, 1987-88, when he captained the team, scored a team-leading 36 goals, and was named an NCAA West First-Team All-American and to the All-WCHA First Team. The highest recognition of his amateur career was his nomination as a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 1988, which is given to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s ice hockey player. Ranheim finished his four seasons at Wisconsin with 177 points in 161 games and also won the WCHA playoff championship in 1988.

Drafted 38th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, Ranheim transitioned to a long and durable professional career following his college success. He played in 1,013 National Hockey League (NHL) games over 15 seasons from 1988 to 2003, showcasing his reliability as a two-way forward and penalty killer. Ranheim made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames and also suited up for the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Phoenix Coyotes. His professional tenure included a dominant rookie season in the International Hockey League (IHL), where he led the league with 68 goals for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and was named the IHL’s Rookie of the Year before joining the Flames full-time in 1989.