Börje Salming is currently in Canada to attend the so-called Hall of Fame weekend.

For the second night in a row, the ALS-affected legend was honored last night during a ceremony entirely in Salming's honor before the Maple Leafs' game against Vancouver.

On Saturday night, he got to share the stage with teammates, Hall of Fame players and war veterans.

Accompanied by his family, a visibly happy "Number 21" took to the ice to cheers and whistles, glazed eyes and reverent applause - a standing ovation that lasted more than two minutes after a lengthy video shown on the jumbotron.

"Begin, the whole Leafs Nation loves you!" said the announcer, after Salming dropped the ceremonial first puck to Vancouver's Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Toronto's William Nylander.

"Massive Tribute"

- It was very difficult but above all so nice to see the massive tribute he received.

You get teary-eyed, says friend and former full-back colleague Nicklas Lidström to Sportbladet after the ceremony.

The tributes continued to be shown even out on the ice when Toronto's first five consisted of only Swedes;

Erik Källgren in goal, Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren as back pair, and William Nylander, Calle Järnkrok and Pierre Engvall as forwards.

A group that was highly involved in the 3–2 victory after, among other things, a goal by Pierre Engvall with an assist from Calle Järnkrok.

"Be emotional"

Before tonight's match, there were not many questions from the press that did not concern the man who, after 16 seasons at the club, has icon status.

- He is legendary in Sweden.

"It was emotional to see him last night, hopefully he'll have a good day today as well," Toronto's Timothy Liljegren said at a press conference earlier in the day.

Few were left unmoved by Salming's presence.

- It was emotional to see him out there and the audience was like crazy, it was nice, said Calle Järnkrok, about Friday's tributes.

On Thursday, Salming will take part in the SVT-broadcast Tidernas Hockeygala, where the Swedish confederation will celebrate its 100th anniversary in the Avicii Arena in Stockholm.