Ralph Backstrom, a six-time Stanley Cup winner with the Montreal Canadiens who founded the Central Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles in 2002 and has since been the team’s president and general manager, has retired, the team said.
Backstrom, 69, spent 53 years involved in hockey. He gave Northern Colorado the Eagles who since their first season in 2003 have won four division titles, two regular season titles and two President’s Cups as CHL champions.
“Ralph has been an icon and ambassador for this great sport for many years,” Eagles coach Chris Stewart said. “He was an outstanding player and manager, but more importantly, he is an outstanding person. His vision brought the Eagles to Northern Colorado and we will continue to build on the foundation that he laid.”
Backstrom also coached for 15 years at the college and pro ranks. He spent nine years as coach at the University of Denver, where he led the Pioneers to the a WCHA title and a Frozen Four appearance in 1986 before he was named the NCAA coach of the year.
Stewart will take over as Eagles president and general manager.
Nick Groke can be reached at 303-954-1056 or ngroke@denverpost.com.
