PHOTO: Bildbyrån
They are two of Swedish hockey’s biggest profiles.
Peter Forsberg reveals the first time he met Börje Salming on the ice.
– I just thought: “Seriously, then!? He is not wise,” says Foppa in a television interview.
On November 24, 2022, Swedish hockey lost one of its greatest heroes and role models. Börje Salmings flame of life went out after battling for several months with the incurable nerve disease ALS.
Icon Psalming
The hockey legend had time to say an emotional farewell in both Canada and Sweden before his body finally gave up. The entire hockey family came together to pay tribute to the great icon who meant so much to so many people.
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So many young hockey players have grown up with Börje Salming as their big idol and he has touched so many Swedish players over the years. The former big star Peter Forsberg is very much one of them.
READ MORE: Börje Salming’s first meeting with Nicklas Lidström reveals how the icon could see into the future: “I knew at once”
Forsberg’s memory
“Foppa” has won double Olympic gold, double WC gold, double Stanley Cup and is seen as one of the world’s most skilled hockey players of all time. But he never forgets his first meeting with Börje on the ice – and the shock he received immediately.
– I played against him first and foremost when I came up with Modo and he played in AIK. I just thought: “Seriously!? He’s not smart on the ice.” What energy and what will. So it was fun to play a real match against him, says Forsberg in a television interview with Sportbladet.
– Since then I have played with him in a few charity matches and got to meet him several times.
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Peter Forsberg remembers Börje Salming with warmth both as a person and as a player. Örnsköldsviksonen describes Kirunasonen as extremely unique.
– I have heard all the stories about him and seen him, and learned what he means over there. He has meant so much to Swedish hockey and the way he was on the ice. When I met him, he sacrificed himself so incredibly for the team. I don’t know if we will get to see that again, what he dabbled with, says Foppa in the interview.
– He was completely fearless of his body and played during the era when it was so crazy over there. But it didn’t matter to him so you can understand why he was so incredibly popular.
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READ MORE: Leif Boork chooses his absolute favorite of Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin and Nicklas Lidström: “He had everything”