Börje Salming is dead.
Now he is mourned by Swedish hockey’s greatest.
– I am in shock, says Mats Sundin.
Begin Hymn is dead, and Swedish hockey is in mourning. After 16 seasons in the Toronto Maple Leafs, Salming is undoubtedly one of our greatest hockey players of all time, and what he has meant to Swedish hockey, and all the Swedish players after him in the NHL, is difficult to put into words. Salming was the pioneer, the one who never gave up, and who put Swedish hockey on the map.
“I’m in shock”
On Thursday, Salming passed away, aged 71, and the tributes to him are pouring in. Just a few weeks ago, Salming was in Toronto to receive tributes from Maple Leafs fans, and next to him during one of the tribute nights was Food Sundin. Just like Börje, Sudden is a real icon in Toronto, and it is with great sadness that he is touched by the news of Salming’s passing.
“I am in shock and deeply saddened by Börje’s sudden passing. Börje was a role model on and off the ice. Humble, inclusive and at the same time so brave and strong. My condolences go to Börje’s family,” writes “Sudden” to SVT.
Also Nicklas Lid currentwho was recently awarded the “Player of the Times” award at the “Hockey Gala of the Times”, mourns Börje, and speaks warmly of his importance.
– When you wanted to be a hockey star yourself and dreamed of going to the NHL, Börje was my big idol. Then when you got to know Börje after his career, you got to see what an incredibly warm and caring person he was. It’s really a heavy heart on a day like this, says Lidas to Radiosporten.
READ MORE: Tokbusen Tie Domi’s powerful tribute to Börje Salming – now confirms: “He will always be the King”
Foppa’s tribute
Peter Forsberg was also at the big hockey gala. Then he got a chance to hug Börje. He says that “all the Swedes who came after him to the NHL owe a great debt to him”.
– It is so terribly sad what happened to Börje. That a fighter like Salming can’t stand a chance against this disease tells you how difficult it is. My thoughts go out to his family, says Foppa to Expressen.
Also Inge Hammarström, who went over to Toronto together with Börje Salming, mourns. Their friendship spanned 50 years.
– It is extremely sad. Shocking, while knowing that it was only a matter of time. We have been almost like brothers. I remember when he came here to Brynäs and we older players both took care of him and were so happy that we had such an incredible talent in our team, he tells DN.
READ MORE: William Nylander’s fine tribute to Börje Salming – the words about the shock message: “It’s hard to take in…”