Lidstrom, among others want Borje Salming's number 21 retired by Swedish Ice Hockey Association
This past week, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association celebrated their 100th anniversary with a gala and honoured some of the greatest players to ever don the gold and blue.
Former Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom was named the greatest player in the history of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association and was also named to their all-time team, along with former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Borje Salming.
In an interview with Expressen.se, Lidstrom, along with his former teammates Niklas Kronwall and Henrik Zetterberg, believe that it's time the Swedish Ice Hockey Association retire Salming's number 21.
Note: the following quotes in this story are translated from Swedish
"The number should not be worn by anyone else in the national team. I think so, it's quite clear actually. It should be retired." Zetterberg said.
Lidstrom added, "It would be a wise choice, I think so. There are many who made a big impression with that number on their back and that number means a lot to many people."
Meanwhile, Kronwall went on to say, "I stand by that honor, of course. What Börje did for Swedish ice hockey, how he paved the way for all the rest of us, that was when the Swedish and European invasion began. It would definitely be a good idea to honor that number."
Lidstrom added, "It would be a wise choice, I think so. There are many who made a big impression with that number on their back and that number means a lot to many people."
Meanwhile, Kronwall went on to say, "I stand by that honor, of course. What Börje did for Swedish ice hockey, how he paved the way for all the rest of us, that was when the Swedish and European invasion began. It would definitely be a good idea to honor that number."
Salming, who was diagnosed with ALS in August, had a great hockey career both in the NHL and on the international stage. He was a trailblazer for Swedish hockey and disproved the stereotype that Swedes were soft, playing a physical, but managed to provide plenty of offence for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings over his 17 years in the NHL.
In 46 games for 'Tre Kronor' at the World Championship, Olympics and Canada Cup, Salming had 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) and 48 penalty minutes.
Source: Expressen.se
Top 10 latest hockey stories
