Backlund honored for 1,000th NHL game in Calgary, all with Flames

Calgary Flames players looked back to honor Mikael Backlund.

The veteran forward played his 1,000th NHL game on Friday and his teammates had a unique little tribute prepared for their captain.

Players wore jerseys from Backlund's past -- including his amateur team the Kelowna Rockets and Sweden's national team - on the way in to Scotiabank Saddledome before they took on the New Jersey Devils.

Backlund himself was dressed for the occasion, sporting a sweet red velvet jacket with a custom lining featuring tilework Flames logos (the only team he's played for in his 17 NHL season) and the words "Mikael Backlund, 1,000 NHL games."

The Flames shared a video of representatives from various charities Backlund has supported in his time in Calgary -- the ALS society of Alberta, Kids Cancer Care of Calgary, Parachutes for Pets and Special Olympics Calgary -- telling their favorite stories about him and his off the ice work.

Before the game, Backlund's wife and two children joined his parents on the ice for a special ceremony including a touching tribute video.

In addition to the standard silver stick given for 1,000 games, Flames teammates gifted Backlund a celebratory bottle of wine and tickets to the Wimbledon Final in 2025.