Elite Prospects and the Borje Salming ALS Foundation Launch Global Award to Honor Hockey’s Unsung Heroes

May 6, 2026

The Börje Salming Elite Prospect Award Opens Worldwide Nominations.

Elite Prospects and the Borje Salming ALS Foundation today announced the launch of The Börje Salming Elite Prospect Award, a new global initiative recognizing individuals across the hockey world who make the game better through character, commitment and impact beyond the rink.

Nominations are now open at: https://www.eliteprospects.com/salmingaward

Created to carry forward Börje Salming’s legacy, the award focuses on the people whose contributions are often overlooked. The teammate who lifts others. The volunteer who keeps things going. The coach, parent or individual who shows up year after year without expecting recognition, but leaves a lasting impact on those around them.

“This is about recognizing the people who make hockey what it is,” said Nicklas Lidström, Hockey Hall of Famer and board member of the Borje Salming ALS Foundation. “Börje stood for courage, humility and always putting the team first. This award reflects those values and gives us a way to highlight the individuals who live them every day.”

The initiative is built on Elite Prospects’ global platform, which reaches more than 40 million hockey fans, players and professionals annually. Through that reach, the award is designed to surface stories from across the entire hockey world and bring visibility to contributions that would otherwise go unseen.

“Elite Prospects has always been about the people and stories that shape hockey,” said Hannes Andersson, CEO of Elite Prospects. “With this award, we are using our platform to recognize a different kind of impact. It is about what people give to the game and to each other, not just what happens on the ice.”

The selection process will be led by a distinguished jury representing multiple parts of the global hockey ecosystem. The group includes Nicklas Lidström, Hockey Hall of Famer, Hayley Wickenheiser, Hockey Hall of Famer, Pierre McGuire, Senior Advisor at Elite Prospects, Hannes Andersson, CEO of Elite Prospects, and Anders and Teresa Salming, along with Peter Forsberg, Vice President of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, Pat Kelleher of USA Hockey, and Mike Ferriman of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The jury is further strengthened by senior representation connected to the NHL, NHLPA and NHL Alumni Association, including NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, NHLPA executive Rob Zepp and NHL Alumni President & CEO Glenn Healy.

“We are proud to launch The Börje Salming Elite Prospect Award together and grateful for the strong collaboration behind this initiative,” said Karin Karlström, Secretary-General of the Borje Salming ALS Foundation. “Establishing this award in Börje Salming’s name is a meaningful way to honor his legacy and his commitment to making hockey more accessible. It also creates new opportunities to bring people and organizations together to support the fight against ALS.”

At its core, the award is built on a simple idea:

Some contributions do not show up in the stats. They show up years later, when a teammate says that person changed everything for me.

Beyond recognition, the initiative also serves as a global platform to support the fight against ALS. Throughout the nomination process and related storytelling, audiences will be encouraged to engage with and support the Borje Salming ALS Foundation and its mission.

The inaugural recipient will be named in 2026 following a global nomination period and jury selection process, with the award presentation planned to take place during an NHL game later in the year.

About the Börje Salming Elite Prospect Award

The Börje Salming Elite Prospect Award is a global annual award presented by Elite Prospects and the Borje Salming ALS Foundation. It recognizes individuals across hockey who create meaningful impact beyond the rink through leadership, character and commitment to others.

About Elite Prospects

Elite Prospects is the world’s leading hockey platform, connecting players, teams, leagues and fans across the global hockey ecosystem. With more than 40 million annual visits, Elite Prospects provides player profiles, data, video, news and community-driven features across leagues and countries worldwide.

About the Borje Salming ALS Foundation

The Borje Salming ALS Foundation was established to honor Börje Salming’s legacy and to support the fight against ALS. The Foundation works to raise awareness, fund research and improve the lives of those affected by the disease.