Flames veteran is just as impactful off the ice as he is on it
As much as Mikael Backlund will take pride in his on-ice performance this past season, his off-ice efforts mean just as much to the Calgary Flames center.
Backlund has a much-deserved reputation for his off-ice pursuits, and has been lauded for them as a finalist for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy awarded to the player for leadership on and off the ice and contributions in the community.
Among his efforts, Backlund has been an ardent supporter of the ALS Society of Alberta in honor of the mother of his wife, Frida (a disease even more relevant with assistant general manager Chris Snow battling it for the past four years), as well as serving as an ambassador for Kids Cancer Care and Special Olympics. Backlund had a childhood friend diagnosed with cancer and another born with Down Syndrome. He and his wife recently partnered with Parachutes for Pets with Lily’s Legacy, a program that allows children in foster care to keep their pets.
On top of raising more than $400,000 for the ALS Society, the alternate captain has hosted more than 500 guests at Flames games.
“I’ve always been inspired by people who help others that struggle,” Backlund told the Flames website. “I am aware that I have been given the opportunity to live a privileged life and know that a small gesture from me can mean the world to other people.”
Backlund has been the team’s nominee for the award the past three years. He was also co-winner with Blake Coleman of the Peter Maher Award from the Calgary media this past season. Backlund won that award in 2020.
Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers and Anders Lee of the New York Islanders are the other finalists, as chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives. The winner will be announced during the NHL awards in Nashville on June 26.
The winner will receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The two runners-up each will receive a $5,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of their choice.