'It's very special'

NASHVILLE - There were tears.

Happy ones, of course.

Tears of pride, grace, and the overwhelming sense of gratification for those that have touched him, equally.

Mikael Backlund stood proudly at the mic as he accepted the 2022-23 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. But while it was him who delivered the speech, collected the hardware and whose name will be forever etched in the record books, it was clear through those cheerfully watery eyes what - and who - it was all for.

"I was really nervous, too, thinking about what I was going to say," he laughed as addressed the media backstage. "The video you guys showed me (earlier) was very emotional and meant a lot to me. Some great friends in that video and people that I've met. It makes me feel special touching so many lives. It makes me feel a little good about myself and am happy I could be that person in Calgary."

The video he's referencing came as a surprise in the hotel lobby before trekking over the rink for the red carpet. It was a collection of messages from friends, leaders and key voices in the charities he supports, all wishing him luck for a night he would never forget.

He was speechless. His welled up and despite slowly burying his head, you could the smiles break through the emotions.

Emotions that bubbled back to the surface on stage, as he gazed out to the audience and saw his bride, Frida, and father, Jan, beaming right back.

The truth is, there isn't a single shred of our community that Mikael and Frida haven't fully devoted themselves to. In his 14 years with the organization, they've become ambassadors KidsCancerCare, the Special Olympics, and - perhaps most notably - the ALS Society of Alberta, where more than $400,000 has been raised in their name to help fund the program and improve the lives of those living with the disease.

Like VP of Data/Analytics and Assistant GM Chris Snow, who shared an embrace with the Flames lifer shortly after the ceremony.

The ALS Society is a cause that hits especially close to home for both. Frida's mother passed away from the illness when she was only 19 - the awful, indescribable experience then leading to her authoring her own children's book, Our Guardian Angels, and inspiring much of what the program does today.

"Whatever I do, she's always there to support me," Backlund said. "And Calgary is lucky to have her."

So, no. This isn't a one-man show.

Just like the sport he's made a career of, this, too, is a total team effort.

Backlund is now the fourth player in franchise history to receive the award, joining Jarome Iginla (2003-04), Joe Nieuwendyk (1994-95) and Lanny McDonald (1987-88).

Legends, all.

He also finished sixth in Selke voting, which was given out to Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron for the second straight year as the league's top defensive forward.

"It feels special," he added. "It's all so great how it brings more attention to my organizations that I support. It's a great time to raise awareness for them and I'm excited to win this award for the Calgary Flames and the city of Calgary.

"It's very special."

Most recently, Mikael and Frida launched a first-of-its-kind program called Lily's Legacy in partnership with Parachutes for Pets in 2021. The initiative - which has raised more than $125,000 to date - ensures children transitioning into foster care aren't separated from their furry ones, in what can be a tumultuous time in a young person's life.

Backlund has long said it's the "duty" of an NHL player to step up and assist those in need.

He echoed that sentiment before an audience of millions - again, using his platform to do good in his community.

Whether it was at home or Calgary, or on the road in the Music City Capital, the message has never changed

Nor has the player - an all-time great - shouting into existence.

"We as professional athletes live a privileged life and have a great opportunity to give back," Backlund said in his acceptance speech. "A little gesture from us can be a big thing in somebody else's world."