Börje Salming is a Swedish ice hockey player known for his defensive skills. He played professionally for 23 seasons and made a significant impact in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Salming is considered a pioneer for European players in the NHL and was the first to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and was named one of the 100 greatest players of the NHL’s first century.
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- Full name: Anders Borje Salming
- Date of birth: April 17, 1951
- Age: 72 years old (as of 2023)
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Salmi, Sweden
- Nationality: Swedish
- Occupation: Ice hockey player
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
- Parents: Erland Salming (father), Karin Persson (mother)
- Siblings: Stig Salming (brother)
- Spouse: Margitta Salming (divorced), Pia Salming (current wife)
- Children: Theresa Salming, Anders Salming, Rasmus Salming, Bianca Salming
- Relationship Status: Married to Pia Salming
- Net worth: $10 million
Early life and education
Börje Salming was born on 17 April 1951 in the village of Salmi, now the city of Kiruna, Sweden. His father, Erland, was of Sami descent, while his mother, Karin, was Swedish.
Sadly, Salming’s father died in a mining accident when he was just 5 years old. He grew up with his older brother, Stig Salming, who also played hockey and became a successful player for Brynäs IF.
Salming identifies as indigenous Sámi and is listed on the Sametinget electoral roll. He has embraced his Sámi heritage and often wears traditional Sami tin bracelets to reflect his origins.
Salming began his hockey career in his hometown, starting skating at the age of six at the Matojärvi Hall. He also played handball as a child, showing his athletic ability from an early age.
Personal life
During his early career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Salming was married to Margitta Salming, a children’s clothing designer.
They had two children together, Theresa and Anders. However, the couple later divorced. In 2016, Salming married Pia Salming.
They have two children, Rasmus and Bianca. Bianca Salming followed in her father’s footsteps and became a heptathlete.
Career
Salming’s professional career began in Sweden, where he played for Brynäs IF in the first division. He helped the team win the league championship in 1971 and 1972.
In 1973, Salming caught the attention of Toronto Maple Leafs scout Gerry McNamara, who signed him as a free agent.
After joining the Maple Leafs, Salming quickly made his mark in the NHL, breaking the stereotype that European players were too weak for the physical style of play in North America.
Salming’s strong performances earned him a reputation as a skilled and powerful player. He played 16 seasons with the Maple Leafs, becoming a fan favorite and setting numerous team records.
Salming’s No. 21 jersey was retired by the Maple Leafs in 2016.
Salming also represented Sweden internationally, playing for the national team in various tournaments, including the World Championships, Canada Cup and the 1992 Winter Olympics.
He won silver and bronze medals at the World Championships, contributing significantly to the success of the Swedish team.
Death
On November 24, 2022, Börje Salming died at the age of 71 in Nacka, Sweden.
He died after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which he was diagnosed with in July 2022.
Salming’s passing left fans and the hockey community mourning his contributions to the sport.
Net worth
At the time of his death, Börje Salming had an estimated net worth of $10 million.
He has earned a significant amount of income throughout his career through endorsements and sponsorships.
Social media
- Instagram Name: None
- Twitter Username: None
