Paul Ranheim is a respected figure in the realm of American ice hockey. With a professional career spanning 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, Paul made his mark as a prolific forward, leaving a legacy in the sport.
Hailing from Edina, Minnesota, Paul was the 38th overall pick in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to lace up his skates for four iconic NHL teams: the Calgary Flames, Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Phoenix Coyotes. Throughout his career, which stretched from 1988 to 2003, Paul played in 1,013 games.
Internationally, Paul proudly represented Team USA, donning the national jersey in three World Championships. Notably, he was an integral part of the bronze medal-winning squad at the 1986 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, a moment that solidified his status as top-tier talent.
Paul’s journey to NHL stardom had its roots in the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers men’s hockey program. He honed his skills over four seasons from 1984 to 1988, graduating as one of the school’s all-time leading scorers. His remarkable senior year performance earned him the honor of an NCAA All-American and a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award.
In his rookie professional season, 1988–89, with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, Calgary’s International Hockey League (IHL) affiliate, Paul showcased his scoring with an astonishing 68 goals. This remarkable feat placed him fourth on the list of the highest goal-scorers across all professional hockey that season, earning him the Gary F. Longman Memorial Trophy as the IHL’s rookie of the year.
After retiring from professional hockey, Paul settled in Arizona, where he ventured into real estate and home building. When faced with the economic challenges of the era, he transitioned into various new endeavors.
One notable venture was the founding of Keyware, a technology company specializing in internet monitoring software. He also ventured into the world of hockey jerseys, exploring marketing opportunities. Eventually, Paul returned to his hometown of Edina, Minnesota, where he embarked on a career centered around coaching at Breakaway Academy and Southwest Christian High School and revitalizing community rinks. His ultimate goal was to establish a home remodeling company, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his community.