Ralph Backstrom, president and general manager of the Central Hockey League's Colorado Eagles, retired Wednesday.

Backstrom, 69, played on six Stanley Cup-winning teams with the Montreal Canadiens and coached for 15 years at the NCAA and professional level, including the University of Denver from 1981-82 to 1989-90.

He led the Pioneers to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association title and the NCAA Frozen Four in 1986 and was named Division I National Coach of the Year.

During his 38-year career, Backstrom had 32 winning seasons, including 35 years of playoff appearances.

"Ralph has been an icon and ambassador for this great sport for many years," said Eagles coach Chris Stewart, who will assume the president and general manager positions. "He was an outstanding player and manager, but more importantly, he is an outstanding person. His vision brought the Eagles to Northern Colorado, and we will continue to build on the foundation that he laid."