Borje Salming tributes honour the 'pioneer' and 'legend' Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman
Börje Salming fans showed their admiration and respect for the “pioneer” Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman who “blazed the trail” for generations of hockey players.
On Thursday, the 71-year-old died after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
CP24 spoke to fans who visited his statue in Toronto on Friday morning to pay their respects to the Leafs legend. A monument of Salming was added to Legends Row in 2015 in memory of his role as one of the best defencemen in the team’s history.
Kimeija, a woman from Finland who took a photo with the statue on Friday morning, said she deeply respected Salming, even though he was from Sweden, Finland’s “arch enemy” in hockey.
“I still have high respect for his skills. He opened the door for Europeans. He’s gone too soon. It’s really sad,” she said.
As a Swedish native, he was the first European-trained player to make a mark on the league, according to his Hockey Hall of Fame induction, which took place in 1996.
“Salming's accomplishments and longevity in the NHL helped pave the way for many subsequent European stars,” the statement goes on to say.
Ammika, a Swedish native honouring Salming on Friday, also noted his role as a “legend” back home.
“When he went in ‘73 to play for Toronto was very important for Swedish hockey players, European hockey players,” she said.
For Canadians, Salming was also a “big deal,” Chris, a Torontian visiting the monument, said while recalling the defenceman’s distinct “smooth skating.”
“When I was a kid, every Saturday night, and whenever he was on TV, I would see where he was on the ice and what he was going to do. He was just such an inspiration, such a smooth skater and such a treat to watch,” he said.
He noted that it was fitting that the former Leafs defenceman was honoured by the franchise in an emotional moment earlier this month.
“He was a true pioneer, an absolute pioneer, he blazed the trail for everyone.”
Mayor John Tory also paid tribute to the iconic player on Thursday, calling him “The King,” as he was widely known.
"From Sweden to Toronto, 'The King' will be remembered for the incredible impact he had on our city," Tory said in a statement Thursday. "I'm thankful he was able to be here earlier this month for such a courageous and loving moment on the ice."
Ahead of the Leafs' game against the Minnesota Wild on Friday afternoon, the team shared photos of a new patch on its jerseys commemorating the late player.
The patch is of a blue maple leaf with a gold crown – the colours of Sweden’s flag and a likely nod to Salming’s nickname – with “BÖRJE” in yellow writing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.