Toronto. It was a night when tears did not stop flowing in Toronto.
Here, some of the other stars who have been there tell Sportbladet how they experienced the eulogy for Börje Salming at the Scotiabank Arena.
mats sundenwho accompanied his legendary compatriot Daryl Settler on the ice during the ceremony:
– It was… sentimental. harsh. It’s hard to imagine what Porgy and his family are going through right now. But at the same time, I am very happy that they have been able to come here now and that he will experience such reception. Being with him on the ice at such a moment was amazing. I also love that the club does it in a great way. Next night there will be a longer tribute, with only the family on the ice. I think it would be unbelievable.
Daniel Alfredson, newly elected to the Hall of Fame:
– The reception was incredible. We were able to meet him shortly before the party and you are very touched. You can tell he takes it, that he feels how much love and support he has in Toronto and how much he means to the city. It is a legend. Not only was he incredibly good at hockey, but he swung every night and changed his view of not only the Swedes but all European players.
Daniel Seiden, nyinvald i Hall of Fame:
– It was the first time I met Bourget, and neither Henrik nor I had done this before. So challenging and emotional of course, it’s hard to put the experience into words.
Daryl Setler, longtime teammate Toronto Maple Leafs who, with Mats Sunden, accompanied Borgy on the ice and cried publicly when the audience praised his friend:
– Porgy and Pia called me when he received the diagnosis and it was of course a very emotional conversation. Since then, we have been in close contact and when he came to Montreal for treatment in September, we saw each other there. He then made it clear that he wanted to be present over the weekend at the Hall of Fame and is now dedicated to his character. Courage and determination have always been his hallmark. Being able to stand next to him tonight was very special, and I will always remember that.
Rasmus Sanden, Toronto Maple Leafs back:
– It was so emotional, I almost cried in the cabin. But he was also brilliant, with the praise he deservedly received from the audience. I spoke to him on the phone last summer, that was the last time we heard from each other, so I was very happy to see him tonight.
William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs striker:
– He was very emotional. Börje has been incredibly kind to me every time we’ve seen her and spoken to her since I’ve come here in Toronto, and it’s so sad to see what he’s having to go through now. One evening in Stockholm a few years ago, we met each other in Stockholm and went and had some drinks together. It was a special moment that I will remember forever.