Bill Ranford

Bill Ranford
Name	Bill Ranford
Birth date	14 December 1966
Birth place	Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Height in	11
Weight lb	190
Position	Goaltender
Played for	Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings
Draft	52nd overall, 1985
Draft team	Boston Bruins
Career start	1985
Career end	2000

Bill Ranford is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and current coach, best known for his pivotal role in leading the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup championship in 1990. His outstanding performance during that playoff run earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason. Ranford enjoyed a 15-season National Hockey League career with five different franchises and later transitioned into a successful coaching career, most notably as the goaltending coach for the Los Angeles Kings.

Early life and junior career

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, Ranford developed his skills in the Western Hockey League with the New Westminster Bruins and later the Medicine Hat Tigers. His standout junior career, which included a Memorial Cup championship with the Tigers in 1988, established him as a top goaltending prospect. His performance attracted the attention of National Hockey League scouts, leading to his selection by the Boston Bruins in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.

Professional career

Ranford began his National Hockey League career with the Boston Bruins during the 1985-86 NHL season, serving as a backup to veteran Andy Moog. A significant trade in 1988 sent him to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Moog, a move that would define his legacy. During the 1990 Stanley Cup playoffs, with legendary goaltender Grant Fuhr injured, Ranford seized the starting role and delivered a legendary performance, backstopping the Oilers to a championship victory over the Boston Bruins and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. He remained a stalwart for the Oilers through the early 1990s, earning an appearance in the 1991 NHL All-Star Game and setting numerous franchise records. Later in his career, he played for the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Detroit Red Wings before retiring in 2000.

International play

Ranford represented Canada on numerous international stages, cementing his reputation as a world-class goaltender. He was a key member of the Canadian national team that won the 1991 Canada Cup, posting a perfect record in the tournament. He also backstopped Canada to a silver medal at the 1992 Ice Hockey World Championships in Prague and competed in the 1994 Ice Hockey World Championships in Italy. His international career further included participation in the 1988 Ice Hockey World Junior Championships.

Post-playing career

Following his retirement, Ranford moved seamlessly into coaching and player development. He served as a goaltending consultant for the Vancouver Canucks before taking on a more prominent role with the Los Angeles Kings. As the goaltending coach for the Kings, he was instrumental in the development of Jonathan Quick and the team's success, contributing to their Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. His expertise has also been utilized by Hockey Canada, where he has worked with goaltenders for various national team programs.

Personal life

Ranford is part of a notable hockey family; his nephew, Todd Marchant, enjoyed a long National Hockey League career. Since retiring, he has remained active in the hockey community through his coaching work and various charitable endeavors. He maintains a connection to his championship past, often participating in alumni events for the Edmonton Oilers.

Awards and honors

Ranford's career is decorated with significant individual and team honors. His most prestigious accolade is the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded in 1990. He is also a recipient of the Stanley Cup ring from that same year. Internationally, he won the 1991 Canada Cup and a silver medal at the 1992 Ice Hockey World Championships. His junior success includes a Memorial Cup title with the Medicine Hat Tigers in 1988, and he was selected to play in the 1991 NHL All-Star Game.

Category:Canadian ice hockey goaltenders Category:Edmonton Oilers players Category:Conn Smythe Trophy winners Category:Stanley Cup champions