Nicklas Lidstrom Named Inaugural Recipient of Borje Salming Courage Award
Nicklas Lidstrom (seen here at his number retirement ceremony in 2014) is the inaugural recipient of the Borje Salming Courage Award.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The NHL Alumni Association announced on Thursday that former Detroit Red Wings defenseman and Hockey Hall of Fame member Nicklas Lidstrom is the inaugural recipient of the Borje Salming Courage Award.
This distinct honor is named after Hall of Fame defenseman Borje Salming, one of the first European players to make the jump to the NHL back in 1973 and is considered in the eyes of many as a trailblazer in paving the way for the NHL's current European pipeline. Salming's courage and tenaciousness on the ice went to lengths to dispel the notion that European players were not tough enough to play in the NHL, and his dominance on North American ice inspired an entire generation of hockey stars for years to come.
The award is presented to a European NHL Alumni member each year who served as a positive influence on their community and embodied the courage, bravery, and dedication demonstrated by Salming's legacy.
"We are honored to have Nicklas Lidstrom as our inaugural recipient of this award," said NHL Alumni Association executive director Glenn Healy in a statement on Thursday.
"Nick is a true representation of what this award is all about. From supporting youth hockey initiatives to a no-ego attitude on and off the ice, he perfectly represents this award and the legacy behind it."
"I am so honored to receive this award," said Lidstrom in his own statement.
"Borje was my hockey hero, so being able to be the first recipient means that much more."
With Lidstrom's Red Wings currently in Sweden to take part in the NHL's annual Global Series, this announcement could not have come at a better time.
