TORONTO — Borje salming was known as “The King” in Toronto when he played for the Maple Leafs. Salming received a royal, and very emotional, welcome from the Maple Leafs Saturday night.
Salming, a 71 year-old who spent 16 of his 17 NHL seasons on Toronto’s blueline, was first diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in July. Since then, his health has been rapidly declining. ALS is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects the cells of the brain and spinal chord, leading to muscle control loss. Salming announced last month that he has lost the capacity to speak.
Salming has not lost his determination or spirit despite being afflicted by a serious illness. Salming’s distinguished on-ice career spanning 1,148 games and 787 points, 1973-1990, made him the first Swedish-born player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Despite growing health concerns, Salming returned to Toronto for the Hall of Fame weekend. Three more Swedish players will also be inducted.
The Leafs did not miss the chance to honor their defensive leader in assists (620), and points (760), as well as one of its most beloved stars.
Before going to the Vancouver CanucksToronto hosted a tribute video that highlighted the many aspects of Salming’s NHL and international success. The crowd stood in a standing ovation as Salming, now overcome, made his way onto the ice with family.
Instead of each team captain coming out to the ceremonial puck-drop, it was a Swedish-born event Oliver Ekman-Larsson And William Nylander Who was called. Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe announced the starting lineup, which included six of Toronto’s Swedish-born players.
Salming was recognized for the second consecutive night. A similar moment occurred in Toronto on Friday during the annual Hall of Fame match between Toronto and Pittsburgh. Darryl Sittler, a good friend and former teammate, helped Salming onto the ice. Sittler broke down as he saw Salming being cheered by the arena.
Salming spoke with Sittler in September, and stated that he would like to visit Toronto for the weekend that would see three inductees from Sweden in Vancouver’s Henrik, Daniel Sedin, and Ottawa’s Daniel Alfredsson.
If it weren’t for Salming’s perseverance early on, these Swedes and others might not have ever had NHL careers. He was a pioneer, in every sense.
There was a stigma in 1970s Scandanavian-grown hockey stars that they weren’t strong enough to play in North American. Salming’s unique combination of skill, physicality and shot-blocking tenacity challenged this stereotype. He was also a favorite target for fellow players.
Salming was determined to fight for his cause. The same applies to ALS.
Sittler stated that Salming was intimidated by the group. They tried to throw him off and physically abuse him in games. Borje persevered with his determination, his strength, and his character to make it a 20-year NHL career. Now, with the challenge of ALS, his physical condition, he somehow showed me and my teammates, and the fans, that this is Borje Salming. He’s here, and that is testament to all the qualities he has as an individual.