LOVELAND — The “RB” patch on the back of each University of Denver jersey means so much to so many people at this weekend’s NCAA West Regional at the Budweiser Events Center.
Ralph Backstrom was a top-flight NHL player, a successful DU head coach, and a legend in the Northern Colorado hockey community. He founded the Loveland-based Colorado Eagles, now the AHL affiliate of the Avalanche, during a lifetime of making friends wherever he was.
Backstrom died in Windsor at age 83 on Feb. 7, 2021, but will be forever be remembered as a six-time Stanley Cup champion who had a huge impact on Front Range hockey.