CHL Colorado Eagles

Backstrom Inducted into Colorado Sports HOF Tonight

Published on April 14, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


DENVER, Colo. - Colorado Eagles Founder Ralph Backstrom will be inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame this evening in a ceremony at the Denver Marriott City Center. Backstrom is one of six inductees in the 45th annual banquet; also being inducted are Sonny Lubick, Rod Smith, Jerry McMorris, Lt. Col. John Mosley and Laurice "Lo" Hunter.

In addition to founding the Colorado Eagles and acting as President and General Manager through the 2006-07 season, Backstrom -- a six-time Stanley Cup champion and the 1959 NHL Rookie of the Year -- was also the Head Coach of the University of Denver Pioneers from 1981-1990, winning the Spencer Penrose award as the NCAA Division 1 National Coach of the Year in 1986. The Kirkland Lake, Ontario native also served as the DU assistant coach from 1977-1980.

The Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League have established an incredible tradition of excellence in their six seasons of existence, winning the Northwest Division each season, appearing in the Northern Conference Finals five times and making three trips to the Championship round in the past four seasons -- winning the Ray Miron President's Cup twice. They have also been named the CHL's Franchise of the Year twice (2004-05 and 2007-08) and own the minor pro hockey record for consecutive sellouts (currently at 228 including playoffs).

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

2002-2007 President/General Manager, Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League

1999-2002 Special Assignment Scout, St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League

1992-1999 Senior V.P. and Commissioner of Roller Hockey International, Inc.

1990-1992 Head Coach, Phoenix Roadrunners of the International Hockey League

1981-1990 Head Coach, University of Denver of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association

1980-1981 Assistant Coach, Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League

1977-1980 Assistant Coach, University of Denver of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association

1958-1977 Player in the National Hockey League (15 years) and the World Hockey Association (4 years)

MAJOR HONORS RECEIVED

Memorial Cup Championship with Ottawa-Hull Junior Canadiens, 1958

Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in the National Hockey League, 1959

Six Stanley Cup Championships with the Montreal Canadiens: 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968 and 1969

Four World Hockey Association All-Star Game Appearances

Most Valuable Player for Team Canada in the Canada Cup Series vs. the Soviet Union, 1974

NCAA Division 1, National Coach of the Year, 1986 (Spencer Penrose Award)

President/GM, President's Cup Champion Colorado Eagles in the Central Hockey League, 2005 & 2007

Elected to the Colorado Sports Hall Of Fame in October, 2008 & inducted in April, 2009

Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Mission Statement

To honor, by public acknowledgement or commemoration, those individuals who merit recognition and distinction for their exploits, accomplishments and leadership in sports and athletic endeavors in the state of Colorado. Equally, to build and make available programs and support for youth in our state, and to cultivate character and citizenship as participants grow toward leadership in our state and throughout the nation.

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Central Hockey League Stories from April 14, 2009


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