BÖRJE SALMING PLAYS

1,000TH GAME, 1988

It was a momentous occasion worthy of celebration. On January 4, 1988, Maple Leafs defenceman Börje Salming became the first European- born and -trained player to appear in 1,000 career NHL games. Salming signed with Toronto in 1973 as part of an early wave of European players to join the league. A hard-nosed blueliner from Sweden, Salming was tough as nails and quickly dispelled the notion of the “chicken Swede” stereotype. But despite being just the fifth player in Maple Leafs history to reach the 1,000- game mark, Salming’s salute would have to wait.

At the time team owner Harold Ballard was out of the country and insisted that his player not be honoured until he returned. It wasn’t until nearly two months later, when the Maple Leafs hosted the St. Louis Blues on February 27, that the durable defenceman was officially recognized by the club. During the belated tribute at Maple Leaf Gardens, Salming was presented with a sparkling blue Chevy S-10 Blazer. Emblazoned on the doors were the Maple Leafs logo, Salming’s No. 21, and the number 1,000 to signify his accomplishment.