sentences:  Backes was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but grew up in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota.After two seasons of junior hockey with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League, Backes was selected 62nd overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.Following his draft, he joined the Minnesota State Mavericks men's hockey team of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, spending three seasons in the college hockey ranks.