Börje Salming is dead.
He is one of our greatest hockey players of all time, with a total of 17 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He was 71 years old.
It was during the summer that Börje Salming announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS. In a strong interview with Expressen in the fall, it was announced that Salming had rapidly deteriorated, and that he had lost the ability to speak and had difficulty eating, which led to him being tube-fed.
The fight against ALS
In the interview, the Salming family was strongly critical of the Swedish care, but later the family received the go-ahead for extended advanced care at home. Salming was also, in November, visiting Toronto for the big Hall of Fame weekend, and he then also brought brake medicine with him to Sweden.
During the illness, Börje Salming received enormous support, and the entire hockey world got in touch with their support and prayers. But now Börje Salming has left us. Today came the news that Börje Salming, one of the biggest sports legends of our time, has died. He was 71 years old.
Celebrated in Toronto
Börje Salming began his career in Kiruna but had his big breakthrough in Brynäs. He became a pioneer when he was one of the first Europeans to establish himself in the NHL. He paved the way for many Swedes, and achieved legendary status in the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played for 17 years.
One of the biggest moments of his career came in the Canada Cup, when Salming, as his opponent, received a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd that never wanted to end.
He received a similar tribute in Toronto recently, when he was honored for two consecutive nights, and the jubilation never wanted to end. Salming had a hard time holding back the tears, and he wasn’t alone.
After his hockey career, Börje Salming’s enormous popularity has persisted, and he was one of our most popular and greatest athletes until his death. Börje Salming is now mourned by the entire sports world, and our thoughts go out to Börje Salming’s family at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Börje.