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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.