Swedish ice hockey legend Borgje Salming (71) is playing the most important game of his life. In July, his life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease.
Salming gained legendary status in the 1970s and 1980s, when he played for Canada’s Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL. In 2014, he was inducted into the NHL’s “Hall of Fame”. He also played 46 matches with the Swedish national team.
On Thursday during the Hockey at Tiderna gala in Stockholm, the Swedish hockey icon was honored in the packed Avicii Arena.
Salming was led to the stage by his family and received an honorary award from the NHL. Due to illness, he could no longer speak, but it was clear that the award and the accolade from the crowd meant a lot to the 71-year-old.
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His wife, Bea, spoke on behalf of her husband.
Porgy’s motto has always been: Always have fun and never give up, she said.
– The whole family would like to thank all the warm love that the people of Sweden and Canada have given us during this very difficult time. Porgy says he loves you all.
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Although unable to express his gratitude in words, Salming made a heart with his own hands. Television footage showed several affected people in the hall.
His wife said it was his way of showing people his love.
In an interview with Aftonbladet Afterwards, she explained that they would keep things in the future within the family.
– We will not go out with the public any more. We’re closing the door now, said Pia Salming, and now only family matters.
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