Dion Phaneuf was born April 10, 1985 in Edmonton, Alberta. The first round, 9th overall selection of the Calgary Flames in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Phaneuf is a graduate of the WHL's Red Deer Rebels.

An offensive and punishing defenseman, Phaneuf played four seasons in the WHL with Red Deer earning numerous honours including WHL Defenseman of the Year in both 2004 and 2005. Throughout his WHL career, Phaneuf registered 146 points (64-82-146) and over 500 penalty minutes, before making his NHL debut with the Flames during the 2005-06 season. A finalist for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie, Phaneuf finished the season with 49 points (20-29-49)

Phaneuf's second year in the league saw the bone-crushing defenceman tally 50 points and earn a spot on the Western Conference All-Star team. During his 2007-08 season he once again led all Flames defencemen in scoring and was tied for second in the league in goals with.

On the international stage, Phaneuf is a two-time member of Canada's World Junior team, capturing silver in 2004 and gold in 2005. He also won gold at the 2007 World Championships.

On January 31, 2010, the bruising defender was shipped to Toronto as part of a seven player blockbuster trade that saw Calgary acquire Niklas Hagman, Ian White, Matt Stajan and Jamal Mayers.