The tribute to Börje Salming was beautiful and significant.
Now NHL guru Elliotte Friedman believes that it can also change how every single NHL player thinks in the future.
– One of the most beautiful moments ever in hockey, he says.
All hockey lovers in North America sat on the bench last Friday, when Börje Salming was to be honored in his old hometown of Toronto. On Friday, Salming was celebrated together with his Hall of Fame friends, and on Saturday it was time for an even more powerful tribute, then for Börje alone.
– When I heard that they were going to pay tribute to Börje Salming twice, I almost thought it would be too much, says NHL guru Elliotte Friedman.
Incredible tribute
But the applause never stopped. On Friday, Salming was joined by former Toronto captains Darryl Sittler and Mats Sundin, and not many could hold back the tears. On Saturday, Salming was accompanied by his immediate family, and once again the emotions were strong.
– To be honest, it probably wasn’t even enough. If Toronto had let the fans do that ovation for three hours, that would have happened. It was truly magical, says Friedman.
Elliotte Friedman is one of the NHL’s most respected experts, and he has always kept Börje Salming high on his list. That’s why the tributes this weekend were special for him too.
– I am 52 years old, I grew up watching Börje Salming and he was my favorite in Toronto. I loved watching him play, he says.
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“That’s the reward”
But Friedman believes the tribute was significant for more than just Salming. Toronto captain Auston Matthews said in an interview afterward that it gave him a lot of perspective, and in the NHL, many may opt out of playing in Canada, where the taxes are higher, the pressure is tougher, and the media is usually more critical.
– Matthews said that it really gave him perspective on things, to see the kind of treatment that Börje received, says Friedman.
He continues:
– But to see how Salming was rewarded by the fans for his work, that is the reward of playing in Canada. The risk is high, but the reward is higher.
Friedman thus believes that every single NHL player can reconsider going forward – given the incredible appreciation Salming was shown by Canadian hockey supporters.
Friedman also believes that it was a historically beautiful moment.
– It is one of the most beautiful moments ever in hockey. It was so well deserved, he says.
READ MORE: Mikael Renberg’s tearful tribute to Börje Salming: “He is very brave who shows his weakest self”