PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Börje Salming received the ultimate tribute this weekend.
A warm and loving atmosphere spread throughout the arena when the icon was honored.
“This was one of the most powerful moments I have experienced in a sports arena,” writes C More profile Lasse Granqvist about the beautiful gesture.
Swedish hockey had gathered this weekend to pay tribute and honor the deceased Börje Salming. The event was called the “Game for Börje” and thousands of Swedes had come to Brynä’s home arena Monitor ERP Arena to give Börje the most worthy tribute.
Salming celebrated
Brynäs had chosen to give the ultimate recognition to Salming by hoisting his shirt number 17 to the ceiling and immortalizing the number forever in the club’s history. In recent weeks, the decision has attracted great criticism as many believe that Börje Salming is not a club icon in Brynäs, because he played too few games for that.
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Many others who have voiced their criticism believe that such a powerful tribute should have come during his lifetime and not after his death. But regardless of opinions and critical voices, the tribute this weekend was an incredibly emotional and beautiful ceremony for everyone involved.
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Granqvist’s words
Some of Swedish hockey’s biggest players in Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin, Nicklas Lidström, Henrik Zetterberg and several others had laced up their skates again and were on the ice during the jersey raising itself. There were also thousands of spectators in the stands and everyone was noticeably moved and taken by the beautiful setting when Salming’s shirt was hoisted to the ceiling to the tunes of Jon Henrik Fjällgren’s voice.
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The beloved television commentator and presenter Lasse Granqvist was one of many on site in Gävle and he was extremely touched by the tribute to one of Swedish hockey’s biggest legends, see the video below.
“This was one of the most powerful moments I have experienced in a sports arena. Börje Salming got what he hoped for. To take a seat next to big brother Stig on the roof of his old home hall. And in such a dignified, warm and loving way. ‘Mighty’ is really the right word!”, he writes on Twitter and puts into words many people’s thoughts.
“A strong sense of humanity during the time before, during and after the match. Still taken.”
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A lot of followers have also responded to Granqvist on Twitter and talk about their own experiences of Börje Salming’s tribute.
“Many tears shed, it was emotional for everyone. Very nice arrangement by all parties, what an outstanding job many did for this weekend and what players you got to see play on the ice. Thanks for a brilliant job Lasse, you and the whole gang performed the broadcast in a good way!”, writes one as a comment.
“Magically! Respect! The tears flowed!”, writes another.
“Don’t know how many times I’ve watched this clip. So incredibly painfully beautiful and sad at the same time. I wish I could have been there too and hope that everything felt fine for the loved ones,” writes a third.
What do you think of the tribute to Börje Salming? Share the article and have your say!
Watch the video: