Born in Fort William in 1919, this outstanding athlete learned the game of hockey as he made his way up through the minor leagues of his hometown. A defensive star with the St. Catharines Saints of the O.H.A., Pete entered the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1944-45 season. That year he and fellow Fort William graduate Gus Bodnar added their names to the illustrious Stanley Cup.

 

Going on to play for the Pittsburgh Hornets from 1945-54, Pete became one of the best defensive players ever to play in the American Hockey League. Voted to the AHL All-Star team in his very first season he went on to become the first player in the history of the AHL ever to be named to four consecutive All-Star teams. Serving as Captain of the Hornets for four years, he led his team to victory as AHL champions in 1951-52.

 

Possessing an accurate shot and outstanding ability to set up plays, Pete was an invaluable asset to his team. Admired by the fans they held a 'Pete Backor Night' in his honour. He retired from the professional ranks following the 1953-54 season, with a record of 570 games played, 64 goals and 223 assists.

 

Turning to coaching, Pete took over the reins of the Soo Michigan Indians of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association and his home town Fort William Senior Beavers as well as donning the skates for the Thunder Bay Oldtimers. An exceptional baseball player, Pete was also a stand out on area baseball diamonds. Sadly, this outstanding athlete passed away in 1988.

 

Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 10th, 1994