Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Borje Salming has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often known as ALS or Lou Gehrig´s illness, the group introduced Wednesday.
‘I’ve obtained news that has shaken my household and me,’ Salming stated in a press release. ‘In an on the spot, all the things modified.’
Salming, who performed 16 seasons with the Leafs (1973-1989) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996, stated he acknowledges that there is no remedy for the illness however says there are remedies obtainable to gradual the development.
Borje Salming salutes followers as he takes half in ceremonies previous to the Leafs’ first house recreation in Toronto, Oct. 4, 2006
Salming seems on towards the New York Rangers throughout an NHL Hockey recreation circa 1978
‘I have no idea how the times forward will probably be, however I perceive that there will probably be challenges better than something I’ve ever confronted,’ Salming stated in a press release. ‘I additionally acknowledge that there is no remedy however there are quite a few worldwide trials occurring and there will probably be a remedy at some point.
‘Since I began enjoying ice hockey as somewhat child in Kiruna, and all through my profession, I’ve given it my all. And I’ll proceed to take action.’
ALS is progressive nervous system illness that results in paralysis, the lack to swallow, respiratory failure and demise, often in two to 5 years from the onset of signs.
Salming skates on the Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Game on the Air Canada Centre on November 8, 2009
Salming towards the New York Islanders throughout an NHL Hockey recreation circa 1979
Salming, 71, is receiving remedy in his native Sweden, the place there are greater than 800 sufferers residing with ALS.
‘ALS is a devastating illness that not solely impacts the muscle tissues however can even have an effect on character and cognitive features,’ Dr. Caroline Ingre, Salming´s doctor, stated in a press release.
‘In about 70 p.c of diagnoses, the illness begins with signs from the spinal wire, which more and more weakens the affected person´s arms and legs, whereas in about 30 p.c it begins across the mouth and throat, resulting in slurred speech and difficulties swallowing,’ she stated. ‘These sufferers additionally typically have an related emotional affect that manifests itself as uncontrollable laughter or crying.’
Ingre, chief doctor throughout the Neurology Department on the Karolinska University Hospital close to Stockholm, stated most ALS sufferers expertise issue respiration, with signs most frequently showing first at evening. Other typical signs embrace morning complications, daytime sleepiness, and shortness of breath through the day or when mendacity flat on the again.
Salming, a pioneering European star, performed 1,099 video games with the Leafs and ranks fourth among the many group´s profession scoring leaders with 768 factors on 148 objectives and 637 help.
‘Borje paved the best way for all of the Swedish gamers within the National Hockey League,’ former Leafs captain Mats Sundin, one other Hall of Famer, stated of Salming in 2014.
Salming´s likeness is included on the Toronto Maple Leafs´ Legends Row monument, which honors the group´s biggest stars, exterior the group’s enviornment.
In 2017, he was voted as one of the 100 biggest gamers in NHL historical past by a panel that included former gamers, coaches, executives and media members.
Salming was named a First Team All-Star in 1977 and was named Second Team All-Star in 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, and 1980.
Following his 16 years in Toronto Salming spent his last season within the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings and performed the ultimate season of his profession with AIK of the Swedish Elite League,