The tributes to Börje Salming will never end.
Now several Swedish hockey icons suggest that Swedish hockey makes a unique decision.
– That would be a wise choice, says Nicklas Lidström.
During the “Tidernas Hockeygala”, which took place on Thursday, the tributes to Börje Salming never ended. The Swedish ice hockey icon is currently fighting a tough battle against ALS, but fought his way onto the stage to accept the NHL’s honorary award, and the applause never let up. Not many could hold back the tears, and Salming responded by making a heart with his hands.
Unique proposal
Börje Salming is a pioneer for all Europeans in the NHL. He paved the way for so many other ice hockey stars, and the tributes to him continue to pour in. Now several Swedish ice hockey legends are coming out and believe that it is time for Swedish hockey to make a unique decision.
Salming played with jersey number 21, and since then icons such as Peter Forsberg and Jörgen Jönsson have worn the legendary number. Now many believe that the number should be retired.
– It would be a wise choice, I think so. There are many who have made a big impression with that number on their back and that number means a lot to many people, says Nicklas Lidström to Expressen.
He is supported by Henrik Zetterberg.
– I think so, it’s quite clear actually. It should be retired, he says.
READ MORE: Börje Salming’s completely unknown gift to the Women’s Crowns – which changed Swedish hockey forever
“One of the biggest we’ve had”
Even Henrik Lundqvist agrees that the 21 should not be worn again.
– He has meant so much to Swedish ice hockey. He is one of the first people I remember watching as a kid in the 80s, what he did in the national team and in the NHL. He is one of the greatest we have had, both on and off the ice.
Peter Forsberg himself always wore jersey number 21, and is strongly associated with the number. He does not know whether the jersey number should be retired or not, but he believes that “there is stiff competition for whoever takes the number”.
Börje Salming’s wife Pia announced after the big hockey gala that the family had now made their last public appearance at a time when Börje had become really tired from all the commotion partly in Canada, but also in Stockholm.
READ MORE: That’s why Mats Sundin was missing at the Times’ hockey gala – the icon never appeared when he received the prestigious award