When Borje Salming died, the world of hockey mourned the loss of a true legend. Borje Salming joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in the early 70s, and as a non-American player in the NHL, it wasn’t easy. Borje Salming was threatened, beaten, and a constant target for his opponents. But he never backed down, always gave his all for the team, and earned the love and respect of all hockey fans.
Borje Salming was a trailblazer for European-born players in the NHL and made it easier for all Swedes coming over to play in the NHL.
Borje Salming played 17 seasons with the Maple Leafs and was a two-time runner-up for the Norris Trophy. In 1996, Salming became the first Swedish-born player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and his No.21 has been retired by the Maple Leafs.
Fans honored Borje Salming
In August of 2022, he was diagnosed with ALS. In November that year, Salming was honored in front of the home crowd in Toronto. He also got the NHL’s Honorary Award on the Swedish Ice Hockey Association’s big gala celebrating 100 years of Swedish hockey. It took a lot of effort for Salming to get up on stage to accept the award, but once he did, the standing ovation lasted for minutes.
When the news of Borje’s passing broke, several SHL games were playing. SHL is the top tier of Swedish hockey, and one of the teams playing was Brynas IF, Borje Salming’s former club.
Huge praise from fans
To honor Borje Salming, fans of Brynäs and their opponents Leksand, started chanting ”Borje Salming” together.
The video of the chant went viral, and fans worldwide are now praising the supporters for their tremendous honoring of one of the all-time greats.
”You can feel the intensity, and the passion in how they chant his name,” one user said.
”My goodness … They’re chanting “Borje Salming” at a game in Sweden. RIP King,” said hockey reporter Kevin McGran.
”This is amazing,” said Canadian sportscaster John Shannon.
