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Ralph Backstrom
Ralph Backstrom
Ralph Backstrom
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Ralph Gerald Backstrom (September 18, 1937 – February 7, 2021) was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and later a coach, entrepreneur and hockey executive. He played in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, and Chicago Black Hawks between 1956 and 1973. He also played in the World Hockey Association with the Chicago Cougars, Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics, and New England Whalers from 1973 to 1977. With the Canadiens, he won the Stanley Cup six times, and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in 1959. After retiring he served as head coach of the University of Denver Pioneers for several years in the 1980s.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Backstrom played junior hockey from 1954 to 1958, with the Montreal Junior Canadiens, which relocated and was renamed the Ottawa-Hull Canadiens in 1956. He was captain of the team that won the George Richardson Memorial Trophy in 1957 and the Memorial Cup in 1958.[1]

As a professional, Backstrom joined the Montreal Canadiens for the 1958–59 season and was selected the NHL's top rookie, receiving the Calder Memorial Trophy.[2] He played in Montreal for 12 full seasons, winning six Stanley Cups and appearing in six National Hockey League All-Star Games (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1965, 1967).[3] After the 1969–70 season, Backstrom requested a trade and talked about retiring. He reported to training camp, but left the team just before the season opened. After returning to the Canadiens, Backstrom spent most of his time on the bench until being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in January 1971.[4] With Los Angeles he scored 14 goals in 33 games, enabling the Kings to avoid last place by finishing ahead of the California Golden Seals. Since the Seals' first draft pick had been traded to the Canadiens, this enabled the Canadiens to draft first and acquire superstar Guy Lafleur as a reward for sending Backstrom to the Kings.[5] Just over two years later, he was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks for Dan Maloney and finished the 1972–73 season there.[3]

Backstrom then jumped to the World Hockey Association and joined the Chicago Cougars, where he played for two years, and later became a part-owner of the team.[6] In his first season, he led the Cougars in scoring with 33 goals and 83 points in 70 games. The team finished 4th in the Eastern Division but in the 1974 WHA playoffs, the Cougars came alive and advanced to the Avco Cup Finals, where they lost to the Houston Aeros in four games. Backstrom tied three other players for most points in the postseason with 14 while having five goals to finish 2nd among all skaters in points with 19. He also represented Canada at the 1974 Summit Series on an all-star team of Canadian WHA players. His offensive production dropped sharply in 1974–75 and at the end of the season the new Denver Spurs selected Backstrom in the WHA's expansion draft. Backstrom was the team's top scorer, but the franchise struggled, and a move to Ottawa—where the team was renamed the Ottawa Civics—did not help. The franchise ceased operations 41 games into the season.[7] Backstrom finished the season with the New England Whalers, scoring 35 goals and 83 points over the year. He played one more year with New England and retired in 1977. He would have turned 40 before the start of the next season. Through his professional career, Backstrom had seven 20-goal seasons in the NHL and two 30-goal seasons in the WHA.[3]

Coaching

[edit]

Immediately after his retirement Backstrom accepted an offer to join the staff of newly appointed University of Denver head coach Marshall Johnston as an assistant.[8] Three years later Backstrom returned to the NHL as an assistant for the Los Angeles Kings but only stayed for one season before rejoining Denver, this time as the bench boss after Johnston left to join the NHL's Colorado Rockies. Backstrom led the Pioneers through a few lean years in the early 1980s before having a breakout season in 1985–86 when he led Denver to a team record 34-win season, including a conference regular season title, a conference tournament title (their first in 13 years) and reached the team's first Frozen Four since finishing second in 1973.[9] Backstrom earned the Spencer Penrose Award, as national coach of the year, for the impressive season.[10] However, the team was unable to sustain the high level of play for the remainder of his tenure. Backstrom resigned after the 1989–90 season, turning the team over to Frank Serratore.[9]

Backstrom jumped into the professional ranks in 1990–91 when he took over the Phoenix Roadrunners. After a good first season,[11] including pushing the number-one seeded Peoria Rivermen to a seventh game in the Turner Cup semifinals,[12] Phoenix dropped to dead last in the 10-team league.[13] Backstrom subsequently resigned as coach.[14]

Front office

[edit]

Backstrom, along with Dennis Murphy and Larry King, founded Roller Hockey International and served as commissioner for a time. It soon became apparent that the league was in financial trouble and it suspended the entire 1998 season before playing one final campaign in 1999. While the league did not officially disband until 2001, Backstrom returned to the NHL in 1999–00 as a scout for the St. Louis Blues.[15]

After three seasons with the Blues, Backstrom founded a new CHL team called the Colorado Eagles in 2002.[16] He owned the team, was general manager and president for the first three seasons, including a CHL championship in 2004–05. His Eagles finished atop their division six times, made the finals five times, and won the Ray Miron President's Cup twice in eight seasons before moving to the ECHL in 2011–12.[17] Later moving to the AHL in 2018-19

Awards and achievements

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

Backstrom's parents were both born near Vaasa in Finland, and met in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.[19] He was a cousin of NHL player Daren Puppa.[3] He was not related to goalie Niklas Bäckström, nor centre Nicklas Bäckström.[3]

Backstrom married his first wife, Frances Richard, in April 1961.[20] He married his second wife, Janet, in 1985.[21] They remained married until his death. He had three children: Martin, Diana, and Andrew.[22]

Backstrom died after a long illness on February 7, 2021, aged 83, in his Windsor, Colorado, home.[15] Backstrom's brain was donated for study to researchers at Boston University and it was found that Backstrom had been suffering from stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy at the time of his death.[23]

Career statistics

[edit]

Source:[3]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1954–55 Montreal Jr. Canadiens QJHL 21 7 6 13 2 5 2 1 3 4
1955–56 Montreal Jr. Canadiens QJHL 18 10 8 18 4 — — — — —
1955–56 Montreal Jr. Canadiens M-Cup — — — — — 10 5 4 9 6
1956–57 Ottawa-Hull Canadiens OHA-Jr. 18 10 8 18 4 — — — — —
1956–57 Ottawa-Hull Canadiens EOHL 18 7 10 17 4 — — — — —
1956–57 Montreal Canadiens NHL 3 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
1956–57 Ottawa-Hull Canadiens M-Cup — — — — — 15 17 11 28 19
1957–58 Rochester Americans AHL 2 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
1957–58 Ottawa-Hull Canadiens OHA-Jr. 26 24 27 51 64 — — — — —
1957–58 Ottawa-Hull Canadiens EOHL 33 21 25 46 13 — — — — —
1957–58 Montreal Royals QHL 1 0 1 1 0 — — — — —
1957–58 Ottawa-Hull Canadiens M-Cup — — — — — 13 17 9 26 24
1958–59 Montreal Canadiens NHL 64 18 22 40 19 11 3 5 8 12
1959–60 Montreal Canadiens NHL 64 13 15 28 24 7 0 3 3 2
1960–61 Montreal Canadiens NHL 69 12 20 32 44 5 0 0 0 4
1961–62 Montreal Canadiens NHL 66 27 38 65 29 5 0 1 1 6
1962–63 Montreal Canadiens NHL 70 23 12 35 51 5 0 0 0 2
1963–64 Montreal Canadiens NHL 70 8 21 29 41 7 2 1 3 8
1964–65 Montreal Canadiens NHL 70 25 30 55 41 13 2 3 5 10
1965–66 Montreal Canadiens NHL 67 22 20 42 10 10 3 4 7 4
1966–67 Montreal Canadiens NHL 69 14 27 41 39 10 5 2 7 6
1967–68 Montreal Canadiens NHL 70 20 25 45 14 13 4 3 7 4
1968–69 Montreal Canadiens NHL 72 13 28 41 16 14 3 4 7 10
1969–70 Montreal Canadiens NHL 72 19 24 43 20 — — — — —
1970–71 Montreal Canadiens NHL 16 1 4 5 0 — — — — —
1970–71 Los Angeles Kings NHL 33 14 13 27 8 — — — — —
1971–72 Los Angeles Kings NHL 76 23 29 52 22 — — — — —
1972–73 Los Angeles Kings NHL 63 20 29 49 6 — — — — —
1972–73 Chicago Black Hawks NHL 16 6 3 9 2 16 5 6 11 0
1973–74 Chicago Cougars WHA 78 33 50 83 26 18 5 14 19 4
1974–75 Chicago Cougars WHA 70 15 24 39 28 — — — — —
1975–76 Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics WHA 41 21 29 50 14 — — — — —
1975–76 New England Whalers WHA 38 14 19 33 6 17 5 4 9 8
1976–77 New England Whalers WHA 77 17 31 48 30 3 0 0 0 0
NHL totals 1,032 278 361 639 386 116 27 32 59 68
WHA totals 234 85 129 214 76 38 10 18 28 12

International

[edit]
Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM
1974 Canada SS-74 8 4 4 8 10
Senior totals 8 4 4 8 10

Head coaching record

[edit]
Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Denver Pioneers (WCHA) (1981–1990)
1981–82 Denver 21–19–3 9–15–2 4th WCHA Semifinals
1982–83 Denver 15–22–0 11–15–0 5th WCHA Quarterfinals
1983–84 Denver 14–25–0 8–18–0 5th WCHA Quarterfinals
1984–85 Denver 19–17–3 16–15–3 2nd WCHA Quarterfinals
1985–86 Denver 34–13–1 25–9–0 1st NCAA Consolation Game (Loss)
1986–87 Denver 19–18–3 16–16–3 3rd WCHA Quarterfinals
1987–88 Denver 20–17–2 19–14–2 3rd WCHA Quarterfinals
1988–89 Denver 22–19–2 16–17–2 5th WCHA Runner-Up
1989–90 Denver 18–24–0 13–15–0 5th WCHA Quarterfinals
Denver: 182–174–14 133–134–12
Total: 182–174–14

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

Source:[24]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ralph Backstrom

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ralph Backstrom (September 18, 1937 – February 7, 2021) was a Canadian centre, coach, and executive renowned for his contributions to the sport across multiple leagues and roles. Born in , , Backstrom began his notable hockey career after being recruited by the at age 16, where he captained the Junior Canadiens to a championship in 1958. He debuted in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1958–59 season, earning the as the league's top and contributing to the Canadiens' victory that year. Over 12 seasons with , Backstrom played in six Stanley Cup-winning teams (1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969), appearing in six NHL Games and achieving seven 20-goal seasons. His NHL career spanned 1,032 games across the Canadiens, , and Chicago Black Hawks, accumulating 278 goals and 361 assists for 639 points. After transitioning to the (WHA) in 1972, Backstrom played for the , Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics, and New England Whalers, recording two 30-goal seasons and serving as the Canadian scoring leader and MVP in the against the . He retired as a player in 1977 following 1,336 professional games, 378 goals, and 514 assists. Backstrom later excelled as a coach, leading the Pioneers men's team from 1981 to 1990 with a record of 182–174–14, securing a (WCHA) title in 1986, reaching the , and earning the Award as national coach of the year. He also coached the Phoenix Roadrunners in the International Hockey League from 1990 to 1992, compiling a 67–82–0–16 record. In his executive career, Backstrom co-founded Roller Hockey International in 1992, establishing professional roller hockey rules and serving as commissioner. He founded the minor league hockey team in 2002, acting as president and general manager from 2002 to 2007, during which the team won two President's Cups (2005 and 2007). Backstrom passed away in , at age 83 due to complications from .

Early life

Family and upbringing

Ralph Gerald Backstrom was born on September 18, 1937, in , , to Finnish immigrant parents who had met in after arriving separately from their homeland in the . His father, John Albin Backstrom, worked as a hard-rock in the town's prolific mines, embodying the rugged labor that defined many immigrant families in the region. His mother, Esther Marie Bertils, who married John in 1930, contributed to the close-knit Finnish-Swedish immigrant community in , where cultural ties and mutual support were essential amid the challenges of life. As the second son in the family—his older brother Roy later became a mining engineer—Backstrom grew up in a modest household shaped by his parents' perseverance and the town's booming gold industry during the Great Depression era. Kirkland Lake, a remote mining hub in northeastern Ontario, fostered a strong sense of community among its immigrant population, including many from Finland's Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia region, where Backstrom's parents originated. The family's daily life revolved around the rhythms of mining shifts and seasonal hardships, with limited resources but deep familial bonds that emphasized resilience and hard work. Backstrom's early interest in hockey emerged naturally in , a town renowned for producing NHL talent due to its harsh winters and abundance of outdoor rinks. As a , he gained initial exposure through local community rinks and school programs, where informal play on frozen ponds and cleared ice surfaces was a staple of winter . To stay involved, young Backstrom worked at the local arena, shoveling snow from the rinks—a task he later credited with building the leg strength that aided his skating prowess: "I really think that pushing off all that snow really built up my legs." While his family did not have a direct in organized , the pervasive hockey culture of the mining town provided the foundational recreational play that propelled him toward junior development.

Junior hockey development

Ralph Backstrom, supported by his family in , , relocated to at age 17 to begin his junior hockey career with the Montreal Junior Canadiens in the Provincial Junior Hockey League (QPJHL). As a highly regarded prospect, he was signed directly by the organization that same year, prior to the establishment of the NHL Entry Draft in 1963, reflecting the era's practice of teams securing top junior talent through scouting and amateur agreements. In his junior season of 1954–55, Backstrom recorded 3 goals and 11 assists for 14 points in 44 games, showcasing early development as a while adapting to competitive play. The following year, 1955–56, he remained with the Montreal Junior Canadiens in an independent league, though detailed statistics from that season are not comprehensively recorded. By 1956–57, the team had relocated and been renamed the Junior Canadiens, competing in the Hockey League, where Backstrom contributed 10 goals and 8 assists for 18 points in 18 games. Backstrom's junior career peaked in 1957–58 with the Hull-Ottawa Canadiens in the Senior Junior league, where he served as team captain and tallied 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points in 33 games, leading the squad in scoring en route to the championship. His performance drew widespread scouting attention from NHL clubs, solidifying his reputation as one of Canada's premier junior centers due to his speed, playmaking ability, and reliability on the penalty kill, which positioned him for a seamless transition to professional hockey upon completing his junior eligibility.

Professional playing career

Montreal Canadiens tenure

Ralph Backstrom made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1956–57 season, appearing in three games without recording a point, as the team captured the Stanley Cup that year without his playoff participation. He saw limited action again in 1957–58, playing two regular-season games and tallying one assist, still not dressing for the postseason en route to another championship. Backstrom's rapid ascent came in the 1958–59 season, his first full year, where he emerged as a rookie center on the Canadiens' top lines, scoring 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points in 64 games and contributing three goals and five assists in 11 playoff games to help secure the Stanley Cup. This performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. Throughout his 15-year tenure with from 1956 to 1971, Backstrom solidified his role as a versatile two-way center, often anchoring the third checking line while providing offensive support. He frequently lined up with wingers such as Dick Duff and early in his career, focusing on defensive responsibilities against opponents' top players, before evolving into a more prominent offensive contributor in the mid-1960s alongside talents like and in various combinations during key stretches. Backstrom played a pivotal part in five additional victories: in 1960, he added three assists in seven playoff games as swept the in the Final; the 1965 triumph saw him notch two goals and three assists over 13 postseason contests amid the team's comeback from a 3-2 deficit against the Chicago Black Hawks; in 1966, his three goals and four assists in 10 games supported another back-to-back title; the 1968 Cup featured four goals and three assists in 13 playoff appearances, helping defeat the ; and in 1969, he contributed three goals and four assists in 14 games during the Final win over the Blues. Backstrom's seasonal highlights underscored his growing impact, including a career-high 65 points (27 goals, 38 assists) in 1961–62 and 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) in the 1964–65 championship season, where his scoring established key context for Montreal's dynasty. He earned selections to six NHL All-Star Games in 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1965, and 1967, reflecting his consistent excellence. Despite persistent trade rumors in the late 1960s amid the Canadiens' depth and his desire for a larger role, Backstrom demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the organization, briefly retiring in October 1970 before returning and being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in January 1971 as part of general manager Sam Pollock's strategy to improve draft positioning.

Post-Montreal teams and leagues

In January 1971, Backstrom was traded from the to the in a three-player deal that also involved defensemen Ray Fortin and Gord Labossiere heading to Montreal, along with a 1973 second-round draft pick for the Kings. As a veteran at age 33, Backstrom provided leadership to the expansion-era Kings, serving in a key role on the roster during a period of transition for the franchise. In his two full seasons with (1971–72 and 1972–73), he recorded 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points in 76 games during 1971–72, followed by 20 goals and 29 assists for 49 points in 63 games the next year, contributing steady production amid the team's rebuilding efforts. On February 26, 1973, Backstrom was traded to the Black Hawks for left wing , joining the team for the remainder of the . In 16 regular-season games with , he tallied 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 points, then added 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points in 16 playoff games as the Black Hawks advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to . Seeking greater opportunity, Backstrom signed with the World Hockey Association's in 1973, where he played two seasons (1973–75), posting a career-high 33 goals and 50 assists for 83 points in 78 games during 1973–74, followed by 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points in 70 games the next year. That 1973–74 season highlighted his impact in the WHA, as he contributed 5 goals and 14 assists for 19 points in 18 playoff games, helping the Cougars reach the league finals against the Houston Aeros. Backstrom's final WHA stints came in 1975–76 with the Denver Spurs (which relocated mid-season to become the ), where he scored 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points in 41 games before the franchise folded, prompting his move to the Whalers for 38 games (14 goals, 19 assists, 33 points). With the Whalers that postseason, he added 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points in 17 games during a semifinal run. In his last professional season (1976–77), Backstrom remained with , registering 17 goals and 31 assists for 48 points in 77 games and appearing in 3 playoff games as the team exited early. He retired at age 39 following the 1976–77 campaign, concluding a career that saw him adapt to the NHL's expansion dynamics and the WHA's competitive landscape across multiple franchises.

Coaching career

University of Denver Pioneers

Ralph Backstrom joined the men's program as an assistant coach in 1977 under head coach Marshall Johnston, following his retirement from professional playing in 1977. After spending the 1980–81 season as an assistant with the of the NHL, Backstrom returned to Denver and was appointed head coach in 1981, succeeding Johnston who had led the Pioneers from 1977 to 1981. During his nine-year tenure from 1981 to 1990, Backstrom compiled an overall record of 182 wins, 174 losses, and 14 ties, achieving six winning seasons and guiding the Pioneers through a period of transition in (WCHA) competition. The team made multiple appearances in the , with notable success in the mid-1980s, including a strong push for national contention. Backstrom's most prominent achievement came in the 1985–86 season, when the Pioneers posted a 34–13–1 record—the highest win total in program history at the time—capturing both the WCHA regular-season and before advancing to the NCAA Frozen Four. For this performance, Backstrom was honored as WCHA Coach of the Year and the recipient of the as national coach of the year. Backstrom's coaching philosophy emphasized a structured, disciplined approach drawn from his NHL experience, including a focus on defensive systems to limit opponents' scoring opportunities and promote efficient play. He prioritized recruiting Canadian talent, leveraging his background as a native of Kirkland Lake, , to build rosters with skilled players from junior leagues north of the border, continuing a tradition at Denver while adapting to growing U.S. competition. His hands-on style extended to player development, stressing wide passing at the offensive blue line and a of avoiding consecutive losses to maintain momentum. Backstrom resigned after the 1989–90 season amid evolving program priorities at the university, concluding his collegiate head coaching career with a lasting impact on Denver's competitive resurgence.

Phoenix Roadrunners and other roles

Following his nine-year tenure at the , where he established a reputation for player development and competitive success, Ralph Backstrom transitioned to professional coaching as of the Phoenix Roadrunners in the International Hockey League (IHL) for the 1990–91 season. In his debut season with the Roadrunners, an affiliate of the , Backstrom guided the team to a 38–36–9 record (including overtime losses), accumulating 85 points and securing a playoff berth in the competitive Western Division. The squad advanced to the second round of the Turner Cup playoffs, defeating the before falling to the eventual champions, the Peoria Rivermen, in a hard-fought seven-game series. The 1991–92 season proved more tumultuous, as the Roadrunners struggled to a 29–46–7 finish, placing last in the division and missing the amid roster turnover and inconsistent performance. Backstrom resigned from the position in June 1992, citing a desire to pursue other opportunities beyond coaching. This brief stint in the IHL represented the culmination of his coaching career, as he did not return to on-ice leadership roles in subsequent years, instead shifting focus toward administrative and entrepreneurial ventures in hockey.

Executive career

Roller Hockey International involvement

In 1991, Ralph Backstrom was appointed the inaugural commissioner of Roller Hockey International (RHI), the first professional inline hockey league founded by Dennis Murphy and others, aiming to broaden the sport's accessibility by adapting it for roller rinks. As commissioner, Backstrom drew on his extensive playing and coaching background to establish the league's structure, including rules adapted from such as 4-on-4 gameplay, four 12-minute quarters, the elimination of bluelines, and the introduction of the SpeedPuck for consistent play on inline surfaces. His motivation stemmed from a desire to expand hockey's reach beyond traditional ice facilities, providing NHL players with off-season training opportunities while introducing the game to younger audiences in warmer climates. Under Backstrom's leadership, RHI launched its inaugural season in 1993 with 12 teams, rapidly expanding to 24 franchises by 1994, including notable additions like the Anaheim Bullfrogs. The league operated successfully through the 1993–1997 seasons, culminating in annual Murphy Cup championships—won by teams such as the Anaheim Bullfrogs (1993 and 1997), Buffalo Stampede (1994), San Jose Rhinos (1995), and Orlando Jackals (1996)—while securing television deals with SportsChannel America in 1993 and / from 1994 to 1996 to boost visibility. A brief revival occurred in 1999, with the St. Louis Vipers claiming the final Murphy Cup before the league's dissolution. Despite its innovations, RHI faced significant challenges, including internal mismanagement, franchise instability, and competition from established interests, which led to fluctuating team numbers (down to 10 by 1997) and funding shortages. These issues, compounded by disputes over patents like the SpeedPuck, ultimately caused the league to fold after the 1999 season, marking the end of Backstrom's tenure as .

Colorado Eagles founding and leadership

Ralph Backstrom founded the in 2002 as an expansion franchise in the (CHL), with the team beginning play in 2003, aiming to introduce to for the first time. Drawing on his extensive administrative experience from his role with Roller Hockey International, Backstrom established the team in Loveland, where it began play at the Budweiser Events Center (now ). As the inaugural owner, he envisioned a family-oriented franchise that would foster and youth hockey development in the region. Backstrom served as the team's president and during its formative years, guiding operations until his retirement from those roles in 2007 after 53 years in hockey. Under his leadership, the Eagles achieved rapid success, capturing the Ray Miron President's Cup—the CHL's playoff championship—in the 2004–05 and 2006–07 seasons, defeating the Laredo Bucks and , respectively. These victories highlighted the team's competitive prowess and solidified its place in minor-league hockey. The franchise transitioned to the in 2011, continuing to build on Backstrom's foundation. In 2016, the Eagles secured an affiliation agreement with the , serving as their affiliate and providing player development opportunities that enhanced the team's profile. This partnership contributed to further growth, including two championships in 2017 and 2018 before the franchise joined the (AHL) in 2018–19 as the Avalanche's primary affiliate. Backstrom remained involved as a co-owner and ambassador post-retirement, supporting the team's operations until his passing in 2021, at which point Martin Lind assumed full ownership. The has served as the Eagles' home since inception, hosting not only games but also community events that have boosted local economy and hockey participation in Windsor and surrounding areas. Backstrom's efforts created lasting community impact, including youth programs and charitable initiatives that engaged thousands of fans and promoted the sport across . His legacy endures through the franchise's sustained success and role as a developmental hub for the .

Awards and honors

Player accolades

In his debut NHL season of 1958–59 with the Montreal Canadiens, Backstrom recorded 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points in 64 games, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie. Backstrom was selected to six NHL All-Star Games during his career, representing the Canadiens in 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1965, and 1967. As a key contributor to the Canadiens' dynasty in the late 1950s and 1960s, Backstrom won six championships in 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969. He also captained the Ottawa-Hull Junior Canadiens to a championship in 1958.

Coaching and executive recognitions

During his tenure as head coach of the Pioneers, Backstrom was recognized as the (WCHA) Coach of the Year and the Coach of the Year for the 1985–86 season, when his team achieved a school-record 34 wins, the WCHA regular-season and playoff titles, and advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four. He received the Award, the highest national honor for collegiate hockey coaches, for this outstanding performance that revitalized the program after earlier struggles. In his executive roles, Backstrom's contributions to hockey were honored with induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, acknowledging his multifaceted impact as a coach, founder, and leader in 's hockey community. His foundational work with the earned him the ECHL Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, celebrating his role in establishing and sustaining professional hockey in the region over two decades. Backstrom co-founded Roller Hockey International (RHI) in 1992 and served as its commissioner from 1992 to 1994. Following his death in 2021, tributes from the ECHL and AHL highlighted his executive legacy, though no additional formal awards were conferred posthumously through 2025.

Personal life and death

Family and heritage

Ralph Backstrom was of Swedish-Finnish heritage, with both parents originating from Swedish-speaking communities in the Ostrobothnia region of Finland. His father, Johannes (John) Albin Backstrom, and mother, Ester (Esther) Marie Bertils, immigrated to Ontario in the 1920s, where they met and married in 1930 in the mining town of Kirkland Lake. He was a cousin of NHL goaltender Daren Puppa. This background reflected the broader experiences of Finnish immigrants drawn to Canada's resource industries during that era, often settling in northern Ontario communities like Kirkland Lake to work in gold mining. Backstrom entered his first marriage with Frances Richard of Aylmer, Quebec, in April 1961. The union produced three children: sons Martin and , and daughter Diana. The couple later divorced, though details remain private. In 1985, Backstrom married Janet Price of , a partnership that lasted over three decades and provided stability amid his professional transitions. Throughout his life, Backstrom's family offered unwavering support during frequent relocations tied to his career, from to and beyond. His children pursued independent paths outside of professional hockey: Martin became a scholar of literature, retiring in 2018 as Associate Director at UC Berkeley and now residing in ; Diana obtained an advanced degree from the and settled in ; and Andrew resides in . The Backstroms eventually made their home in , connecting to his later endeavors in the state's hockey community.

Health issues and passing

Ralph Backstrom passed away on February 7, 2021, at the age of 83 in his home in , surrounded by family, due to complications from that had afflicted him in his later years. In the years following his death, Backstrom's family donated his brain to the CTE Center for research into (CTE). In February 2022, researchers announced a posthumous diagnosis of stage 3 CTE (out of 4 stages), a severe form of the progressive linked to repeated head trauma, along with disease, which often contributes to symptoms. The family supported the donation unanimously, with Backstrom's wife, Janet, stating, “Ralph would have been proud of this research to know that even after he died, he could be helping others by increasing our knowledge about CTE. This is now part of Ralph's legacy.” She further noted that the diagnosis provided clarity on his struggles: “The news Ralph had CTE helps us understand why he was suffering the way he was with his memory function. It was devastating on him.” The organization issued a statement expressing grief over Backstrom's passing, recognizing his contributions as a six-time champion with the team. Similarly, the , which Backstrom founded, mourned him as a visionary leader and icon of hockey, highlighting his enduring impact on the sport locally. A private memorial celebration was held for family and close associates on May 15, 2021, with no public wake or funeral service. Backstrom's CTE diagnosis contributed to broader discussions on the long-term effects of head injuries in hockey, underscoring the risks faced by players across eras and prompting calls for enhanced player safety measures. His case, as the 13th of 14 studied former NHL players confirmed with CTE at the time, amplified awareness through the family's advocacy for brain donation and research.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Ralph Backstrom's professional career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanned 17 seasons from 1956 to 1973, during which he established himself as a reliable known for his playmaking and two-way contributions. Primarily with the , where he spent the bulk of his tenure, Backstrom played 844 games, scoring 215 goals and 287 assists for 502 points while accruing 351 penalty minutes. His later years with the (172 games, 57 goals, 71 assists, 128 points, 36 PIM) and Chicago Black Hawks (16 games, 6 goals, 3 assists, 9 points, 2 PIM) added to his totals, though marked by a negative plus-minus reflecting defensive challenges on expansion teams. Overall, in 1,032 NHL regular-season games, Backstrom recorded 278 goals, 361 assists, 639 points, and 386 penalty minutes, with a career plus-minus of -36 where tracked, highlighting his offensive prowess amid varying team fortunes.
SeasonTeamGPGAPTSPIM+/-
1956-57MTL30000
1957-58MTL20110
1958-59MTL6418224019
1959-60MTL6413152824
1960-61MTL6912203244
1961-62MTL6627386529
1962-63MTL7023123551
1963-64MTL708212941
1964-65MTL7025305541
1965-66MTL6722204210
1966-67MTL6914274139
1967-68MTL70202545144
1968-69MTL7213284116
1969-70MTL7219244320
1970-71MTL1614500
1970-71LAK331413278-7
1971-72LAK7623295222-22
1972-73LAK632029496-11
1972-73CHI1663920
Backstrom's career high in the NHL came during the 1961–62 season with , where he notched 27 goals and 65 points. His penalty minutes remained modest throughout, averaging under 30 per season, underscoring a disciplined approach that complemented his role on championship-caliber teams. In the , Backstrom appeared in 116 NHL games, contributing 27 goals, 32 assists, and 59 points with 68 penalty minutes. He was instrumental in 's six victories between 1959 and 1969, providing key secondary scoring in high-stakes series. Notably, during the 1967–68 , he tallied 4 goals and 3 assists in 13 games en route to the Cup, while in 1966–67, his 5 goals helped secure another title despite a first-round upset. With the Black Hawks in 1972–73, he added 5 goals and 6 assists in 16 games during their Final run.
SeasonTeamGPGAPTSPIM
1958-59MTL1135812
1959-60MTL70332
1960-61MTL50004
1961-62MTL50116
1962-63MTL50002
1963-64MTL72138
1964-65MTL1323510
1965-66MTL103474
1966-67MTL105276
1967-68MTL134374
1968-69MTL1434710
1972-73CHI1656110
Following his NHL tenure, Backstrom transitioned to the (WHA) for four seasons from 1973 to 1977, suiting up for the (148 games, 48 goals, 74 assists, 122 points, 54 PIM), Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics (41 games, 21 goals, 29 assists, 50 points, 14 PIM), and New England Whalers (115 games, 31 goals, 50 assists, 81 points, 36 PIM). Across 304 WHA regular-season games, he produced 100 goals, 153 assists, 253 points, and 104 penalty minutes, with a plus-minus of -14 where available, adapting his scoring touch to the league's more open style. His WHA high was 33 goals and 83 points in 1973–74 with Chicago, demonstrating sustained productivity into his late 30s.
SeasonTeamGPGAPTSPIM+/-
1973-74CHC7833508326
1974-75CHC7015243928
1975-76DOT4121295014
1975-76NEW3814193367
1976-77NEW7717314830
In WHA postseason play, Backstrom logged 38 games, scoring 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points with 12 penalty minutes. He reached the Avco Cup Finals with the Cougars in 1973–74, contributing 5 goals and 14 assists in 18 games, and added 5 goals in 17 games during New England's 1975–76 semifinal run.
SeasonTeamGPGAPTSPIM
1973-74CHC18514194
1975-76NEW175498
1976-77NEW30000

International play

Backstrom participated in six NHL All-Star Games during his career with the , representing the league in these exhibition matchups that showcased top North American talent against all-star selections, often highlighting international-style play in an era before widespread global tournaments. His appearances came in 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1965, and 1967, reflecting his consistent performance as a key during the Canadiens' dynasty years. Later in his career, after transitioning to the , Backstrom represented in the , an eight-game international exhibition series pitting a of Canadian WHA All-Stars against the national . Playing all eight games as a 36-year-old , he contributed 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points, tying for second in scoring and earning praise from Soviet coaches for his strong two-way play and leadership on the ice. His performance included scoring the series-opening goal in Game 1 and providing consistent offensive support alongside linemates like . No notable pre-professional international exhibitions are recorded from Backstrom's junior career with the Montreal Junior Canadiens.

Coaching records

College head coaching

Backstrom served as head coach of the Pioneers men's team from 1981 to 1990, compiling an overall record of 182–174–14 (.511 ). His tenure included six winning seasons and culminated in the program's first NCAA tournament appearance since 1973. The following table summarizes Backstrom's season-by-season records during his time at , including overall performance and key WCHA conference details where they established notable context, such as the 1985–86 championship season.
SeasonOverall Record (Win %)Conference Record (WCHA)WCHA Standing
1981–8221–19–3 (.523)9–15–24th
1982–8315–22–0 (.405)11–15–05th
1983–8414–25–0 (.359)8–18–05th
1984–8519–17–3 (.526)16–15–35th
1985–8634–13–1 (.719)25–9–01st (regular season and playoff champions)
1986–8719–18–3 (.513)16–16–3T-3rd
1987–8820–17–2 (.538)19–14–23rd
1988–8922–19–2 (.535)16–17–25th
1989–9018–24–0 (.429)13–15–0T-5th
In postseason play, qualified for the 1986 NCAA tournament as the WCHA champion, defeating Cornell 7–6 on aggregate in a two-game total goals quarterfinal series (4–2 win in the first game, 4–3 loss in the second game) before falling 2–5 to Harvard in the Frozen Four semifinals at the Providence Civic Center. No other NCAA appearances occurred during Backstrom's tenure, though the team reached the WCHA playoff semifinals in multiple seasons, including 1985–86. Backstrom's program emphasized player development, producing numerous NHL draftees and professional signees. Notable examples include forward Derek Mayer (drafted 3rd round, 43rd overall by in 1986, played 22 NHL games), defenseman Don McLennan (4th round, 79th overall by in 1987), and forward Scott Mathias (8th round, 159th overall by in 1986). Over the decade, at least 10 players from his squads were selected in the NHL Entry Draft, contributing to the pipeline of professional talent from the Pioneers.

Professional head coaching

After retiring from playing, Backstrom transitioned to professional head coaching with the Phoenix Roadrunners of the International Hockey League (IHL), a minor professional league, where he served for two seasons from 1990 to 1992. This role marked his entry into professional head coaching following a successful nine-year stint as head coach at the University of Denver, during which he had built a reputation for developing competitive teams. In his first season with the Roadrunners during 1990–91, Backstrom led the team to a 38–36–0–9 record in 83 games, accumulating a of 0.512 and qualifying for the , where they advanced to the second round before being eliminated. The following year, 1991–92, the team struggled with a 29–46–0–7 mark over 82 games, finishing with a 0.396 and missing the postseason. Overall, Backstrom's tenure in Phoenix resulted in a combined record of 67–82–0–16, reflecting a mix of initial promise and subsequent challenges in the competitive IHL environment.
SeasonTeamLeagueGPWLTOTLPts%Playoffs
1990–91Phoenix RoadrunnersIHL833836090.512Lost in round 2
1991–92Phoenix RoadrunnersIHL822946070.396Out of playoffs
Total16567820160.449
Backstrom's time with the Roadrunners was his primary professional head coaching experience, after which he shifted focus to executive roles, including co-founding Roller Hockey International.

References

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