What a memorable spring and summer it was.



Captain of his team. Finally won the championship. Partied hard with the Cup.



Schmoozed with the Swedish royal family.



Wait. What?



No, I’m not talking about Alex Ovechkin.



I’m referring to Mikael Backlund, who while wearing the “C” for Sweden, kicked off a memorable offseason by leading his country to gold at the IIHF World Championship last May.



The celebrating with the cup afterwards may not have been for as long as it was with the Washington Capitals star, nor was it anywhere as viral, but judging by his smile when Backlund reflects on it, he and his teammates had a pretty good time.



“Two good nights,” says the Calgary Flames centre, who had two goals and nine points in 10 games. “We won the championship, of course you’re going to celebrate!”



While the World Championships tend to get lost upon the North American...