Backlund served as the Swedish captain.
"An amazing experience,'' reflects Backlund, who signed a six-year, $32 million contract extension with the Flames in February. "A dream come true, really. I'd always imagined winning the World Championships with Team Sweden. I'd watched a lot of those tournaments growing up. I'll always remember them winning it in Stockholm and the way the fans reacted.
"So it was really cool when we got to Stockholm, to the downtown, after we'd won and there were thousands of fans waiting for us. Celebrating with us.
"Raising the Cup was really special, too.
"I've never been a captain as a pro, then to have that happen …
"The last game, it was really quiet in the rink. All the fans were nervous, as well. A tight game, obviously, so for us to fight through and win was memorable.
"Throughout the tournament I was hoping, dreaming, of being able to lift the trophy and when it became a reality, just surreal."
With his mind obviously pre-occupied by putting the final touches on the upcoming wedding, Backlund wasn't live-streaming Jarome Iginla's farewell on July 30.
But he has of course heard all about the wonderfully-arranged send-off for a franchise icon who was wearing the captain's C with such distinction when his younger, tight-as-a-snare-drum self arrived at the Scotiabank Saddledome as a first-round draft pick back in 2008.
"My first camp,'' Backlund recalls, "was really cool. I was between Iggy and Todd Bertuzzi, both great guys to me. I was super-nervous, of course. I'd watched the NHL for years and (Iginla) was my favourite player in Calgary.
"Sitting beside him in the room was super-exciting. A thrill. He and Bertuzzi took care of me my first few camps and then when I made the team, he was a great captain. As great as you'd heard.
"Like everyone says, he loved winning, he battled hard, a true leader and a great role model for me, for everyone.
"And the city, of course, just loved him.
"So, very deserving. A great career."
Photo from Mikael Backlund on Instagram
