MSU-Mankato alumnus, 15-year NHL vet David Backes excited for Mavs title shot

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As Minnesota State – Mankato’s hockey team prepares for the biggest game in program history, KSTP Sports caught up with the best NHL player the program has ever produced.

David Backes played in Mankato from 2003-2006 before embarking on a 15-year career in the National Hockey League, where he made stops in St. Louis, Boston and Anaheim.  He is, by far, Minnesota State’s most successful pro hockey player.

Click the video box on this page to watch KSTP Sports’ Chris Long chat with Minnesota State – Mankato alumnus and 15-year National Hockey League veteran David Backes in Boston before the Mavericks hit the ice in the National Championship

Backes, who also attended Spring Lake Park High School, has joined several former teammates this week at the Frozen Four. They’re among a huge throng of Mavericks fans in Boston this week.

He’ll be in the stands of the NHL arena he used to call home tonight as his alma mater takes its first shot at the National Championship game.

The Mavericks play Denver, with a 7 p.m. CT faceoff on Saturday night.

Watch 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS’ late newscast after the game for a recap of the Championship game live from Boston.