He lost a close friend to ALS last week.
Last night, Henrik Lundqvist was celebrated at a big gala in New York.
The Swede was awarded the Lou Gehrig Sports Award for raising money for ALS research.
– It was tough to experience this, he says.
It was last week that Henrik Lundqvist’s friend, Chris Tschupp, passed away after a four-year long battle against Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The disease is also often referred to as ALS, and it is the same disease that Börje Salming was diagnosed with back home in Sweden, which caused the entire hockey world to send their thoughts and support.
Henke was praised
Over the years, Henrik Lundqvist has collected large amounts of money for ALS research, and has been present during several galas and charity events. Chris Tschupp played in the NHL and Calgary Flames during the 90s, and then worked as a model. The friendship with Lundqvist goes back a long way, and it was an emotional Lundqvist who was present last night during the Lou Gehrig Sports Award in New York, when he was praised for his efforts.
Henrik Lundqvist also gave an emotional speech, and in connection with it, a video was played that showed a bit of Tschupp’s last time in life.
– The last three and a half years have been tough. Seeing a close friend forced to live through such a severe illness and being aware of how it will end and affect him and his family. It was tough to experience. But I’m glad I’m here tonight for so many reasons, especially for Chris. The idea was that he would be here tonight, Lundqvist said in his speech, according to Expressen.
READ MORE: The Salming family’s fine tribute to Swedish healthcare – after the new news about Börje: “They are fantastic”
Salming to Toronto
On hand at the gala were several other big NHL figures, including Pat LaFontaine and Gary Bettman, the manager of the entire NHL. The latter was also praised for his lifelong work in collecting money for research against the disease. In November, ALS will receive even more attention in the NHL context, as it will soon be time for Hall of Fame weekend in Toronto.
The idea then is that Börje Salming will be there, and many expect that he will be celebrated in a similar way as during the Canada Cup in the 70s. Börje Salming has lost the ability to speak with his ALS and is now forced to be tube-fed. A happy news for the Salming family, however, is that they have received the go-ahead for more care at home.
READ MORE: Börje Salming leaves the country – the new decisive message for the ALS-sick hockey icon: “It’s at that level”