TAMMERFORS. Börje Salming gives inspiration to Tre Kronor during the Ice Hockey World Cup.
Symbolically, the Swedish legend sits on a large photograph visible to all in the dressing room.
– It feels very beautiful and means a lot to us, says Jonathan Bodas.
Tre Kronor chose to honor Börje Salming, and a large picture in the dressing room will remind the team to play for the late legend.
The image is posed so that the players can see him on his way out onto the ice at the Nokia Arena in Tampere.
Jonathan Bodas is just like the role model, playing Sacrament of Kiruna.
– We have Börje Salming and Mats Sundin with Olympic gold in the dressing room. Börje Salming sits in a private spot inside the dressing room so everyone can see him. It sounds like a very nice thing, Jonathan Bodas says.
“He was very emotional.”
The 30-year-old Skellefteå was also awarded the Salming Trophy this season as the best Swedish defender outside the NHL.
He was touched when Sportbladet spoke to him about Börje Salming and the award.
– The award was interesting and means a lot to me, it was very touching to receive this award. It was also touching to see how quickly things moved this past fall. It was hard for the entire hockey family and every hockey player in Sweden when this happened. You have to experience how great it really is, says Jonathan Bodas.
“Start looking from the sky”
Older brother Stig Salming told the Swedish Ice Hockey Association website: “I am convinced that Börje, from his place in heaven, wants to continue honoring the best defender of the season. And the choice of Jonathan Börje feels just right. He is also from Kiruna, just like Börje, and has He played at Brynäs, just like Börje.”
– I met Porgy Salming in Kiruna, but that was a long time ago. I wish I did that more times. Stig Salming, I ran more during my time at Brynäs and Gävle, says Jonathan Bodas.
Börje Salming passed away on November 24 at the age of 71 after developing ALS.
The entire dressing room of the World Cup was decorated in blue and yellow colors and recalled the history of the Swedish national team.
Tre Kronor has six points and a 6-0 goal difference in the opening two matches against Germany and Austria.
On Monday evening, there will be a contender meeting against reigning world champions and native Finland.
