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.