sport news Ex-Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman and Hockey Hall of Famer Borje Salming is ... trends now
Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Borje Salming has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig´s disease, the team announced Wednesday.
'I have received news that has shaken my family and me,' Salming said in a statement. 'In an instant, everything changed.'
Salming, who played 16 seasons with the Leafs (1973-1989) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996, said he recognizes that there is no cure for the disease but says there are treatments available to slow the progression.
Borje Salming salutes fans as he takes part in ceremonies prior to the Leafs' first home game in Toronto, Oct. 4, 2006
Salming looks on against the New York Rangers during an NHL Hockey game circa 1978
'I do not know how the days ahead will be, but I understand that there will be challenges greater than anything I have ever faced,' Salming said in a statement. 'I also recognize that there is no cure but there are numerous worldwide trials going on and there will be a cure one day.
'Since I started playing ice hockey as a little kid in Kiruna, and throughout my career, I have given it my all. And I will continue to do so.'
ALS is progressive nervous system disease that leads to paralysis, the inability to swallow, respiratory failure and death, usually in two to five years from the onset of symptoms.
Salming skates at the Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Game at the Air Canada Centre on November 8, 2009
Salming against the New York Islanders during an NHL Hockey game circa 1979
