Celebrity hockey in Mariefred

Mikael Samuelsson, former NHL professional, teamed up with his old hockey buddies and met well-known profiles from Mariefred IFK

“For me, Börje has always been a great role model, both as a hockey player and as a human being and it felt natural to gather the gang to play for Börje. In addition, it was extra fun that my son William was playing,” says Mikael Samuelsson.

The Rat as Coach

Rolf Råttan Edberg, long-time hockey legend and relatives' ambassador in the Börje Salming ALS Foundation, was on hand to coach Mikaels Samuelsson's team.

“Micke had managed everything so my role was pretty simple, but I was in the dressing room introducing myself and the foundation,” says Rolf Edberg.

Rolf Edberg's wife, Ulla-Karin, died of ALS four years ago and both during the illness and later Rolf and his family have been involved and raised money for research and in support of relatives.

“I was very moved by Mariefred's initiative, both the initial march that we conducted from the square to the stadium and then the match was very nicely arranged. This means a lot to everyone who is affected in some way,” says Rolf Edberg.

The need for research

Before the game started, Caroline Ingre, Börje Salming's doctor, told about the disease ALS and the need for funds for research and support for relatives.

Anders Steiner, organizer in IFK Mariefred's hockey section, says that it was obvious that it was the Börje Salming ALS Foundation that would be the focus.

“Börje is the king of hockey and Mariefred is part of Hockey Sweden. In addition, Mikael Samuelsson has been a teammate with Nicklas Lidström who sits on the foundation's board, so there are many connections,” says Anders Steiner.

Hymn club from the Turin Olympics

For the benefit of the foundation, Mikael Samuelsson donated a Salming club with which he played during the 2006 Turin Olympics. The lollipop was auctioned and the final sum ended up at 25,000. Together with other earnings during the day, IFK Mariefred contributes SEK 50,000 to the Börje Salming ALS Foundation.

“It was amazing to see my hometown Mariefred filled with great players and also with great emotions. Börje touches everyone and that there are clubs and players lining up and giving back to Börje is nice to see,” says Peter Forsberg, vice president of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association and board member of the Börje Salming ALS Foundation.

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