David Backes
David Anthony Backes (born May 1, 1984) is an American former professional ice hockey forward. He played for fifteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins and Anaheim Ducks. Backes was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but grew up in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota.
| David Backes | |||||||||||||||||
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Backes with the St. Louis Blues in 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
| Born |
May 1, 1984 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb) | ||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre/Right wing | ||||||||||||||||
| Shot | Right | ||||||||||||||||
| Played for |
St. Louis Blues Boston Bruins Anaheim Ducks | ||||||||||||||||
| National team | United States | ||||||||||||||||
| NHL Draft |
62nd overall, 2003 St. Louis Blues | ||||||||||||||||
| Playing career | 2005–2021 | ||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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After two seasons of junior hockey with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League, Backes was selected 62nd overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Following his draft, he joined the Minnesota State Mavericks men's hockey team of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, spending three seasons in the college hockey ranks. Forgoing his senior year with the Mavericks, he turned professional with the Blues, joining their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. Midway through the 2006–07 season, Backes was called up to the NHL and secured a roster spot with the Blues. Following his fifth season with St. Louis, he was chosen as team captain.
Internationally, Backes represents the United States. He is a two-time Olympian, winning silver at the 2010 Games in Vancouver, and has played in three IIHF World Championships.