Former WHL Champion, Flames captain Backlund joins NHL’s Silver Stick Club after 1,000 games

Calgary, Alta.- It’s a rare case where silver feels just as good as gold.

Two prestigious WHL alumni sit atop the Calgary Flames’ all-time games played list- but on Wednesday, October 30, Mikael Backlund joined Jarome Iginla as the second Calgary Flame to suit up for 1000 NHL games.

Backlund, who won a WHL Championship with the Kelowna Rockets, is the 401st player to join the NHL’s Silver Stick Club, and becomes the third Rockets alumni to hit the milestone this season, joining his former Kelowna teammate Tyler Myers and another Rocket, Luke Schenn.

Even more impressive- Backlund played every game with the same team, becoming the 73rd player in NHL history to do so.

The big moment was temporarily marred by a loss to the Utah Hockey Club, but Backlund got the celebration he deserved in a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on November 1- complete with the silver stick presentation and a pair of silver mini sticks for his children, Tillie and Oliver.

That's our captain 🥲 pic.twitter.com/AZRxC50DhG

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) November 2, 2024

“It was a special moment to share with my family,” Backlund told reporters post-game. “To see some current teammates and some old teammates up on the screen and seeing Jarome and Connie (General Manager Craig Conroy) on the ice, yeah, just special. And then to get that silver stick from Mr. Markin, it was just so awesome. It’s hard to put a word on it, but I was really proud to hold that stick- and even better when the kids got it!”

Calgary’s all-time games-played leader and Kamloops Blazers great Jarome Iginla was on hand for the ceremony and narrated a celebratory video for Backlund, while the Swedish great’s teammates paid tribute to his journey to the NHL by donning numerous jerseys from throughout his career as they walking into the Saddledome- including two Kelowna jerseys.

Backlund, a first-round NHL Draft pick, was selected by Kelowna 43rd overall in the 2007 CHL Import Draft but wouldn’t make the leap to North America until 2009.

Shortly after a stunning performance at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship, where Backlund potted five goals and two assists in a silver-medal effort for Sweden, the talented forward made his Flames debut- but wasn’t destined to stay at the NHL level just yet.

Four days after making his NHL debut, Backlund joined the Rockets on a tear through the homestretch of the WHL season.

Funnily enough, Calgary’s current Head Coach, Ryan Huska, was also Backlund’s coach with the Rockets in 2009.

He piled up 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 28 regular season games, but truly came to life in the playoffs, where he led all skaters with 13 goals (including a hat-trick to send Kelowna to the Championship Series) and 10 assists in 19 games.

His efforts helped the Rockets clinch the Ed Chynoweth Cup and advance to the Memorial Cup Final, where he played alongside his current Flames teammate, defenceman Tyler Barrie.

While Backlund’s time in the league was short, it was impactful and showcased a stellar roster of Kelowna players and staff who have gone on to long NHL careers.

Now with 1002 games under his belt, Backlund has registered 202 goals and 335 assists for 537 points over 17 seasons- highlighting his durability and continued scoring prowess well into his thirties.

The veteran has shown no signs of slowing down, and with another season left on his contract, is now chasing Iginla’s 1219 mark for all-time games played as a Flame.

Backlund and the Flames are back in action on Tuesday, November 5 as they visit the Montreal Canadiens.