Surrounded by the jerseys, trophies and memories that tell hockey’s story, family, friends and supporters gathered in Toronto Thursday evening to celebrate something that was never meant to be just another piece of memorabilia. Instead, the limited edition mechanical chronograph represents the completion of one of Börje Salming’s final personal projects, one that began nearly a decade ago and ultimately became a family effort after his death in 2022.

For those in attendance, it quickly became clear that the evening was about far more than introducing a luxury watch to the Canadian market. It was about remembering a man whose influence stretched well beyond the rink and whose connection to Toronto remains as strong today as it was during his Hall of Fame career.

For Börje’s sons, Rasmus and Anders, returning to Toronto always carries special meaning.

Rasmus smiled as he reflected on standing inside the Hockey Hall of Fame, a place he had visited countless times growing up alongside his father.

“It means so much. It’s so cool. I’ve been here a lot with my dad. To be able to stand here… finishing something that he started… it’s hard to describe. It’s surreal and amazing at the same time.”

Toronto, he explained, was never just another city on the hockey map.

“It’s hard to explain if you don’t come here with our dad. There is something special about his legacy and all the people here. The combination of hockey people that live here together with that era… it’s super special.”

That sentiment echoed throughout the evening. Although Salming was born and raised in Sweden, Canada, and particularly Toronto, became his second home during a remarkable NHL career that forever changed perceptions of European hockey players. Long before international stars became commonplace, Salming earned respect through exceptional play, consistency and professionalism, helping pave the way for generations of players who would follow.

Yet as conversations unfolded during the launch, it became clear that the family hopes his legacy is remembered for more than history books and statistics.

“I hope they see that you can be an absolute superstar and also be a very down to earth guy and be nice to everyone that you meet.”

He paused before adding what may be the greatest compliment a family can receive.

“We never hear anything bad about our dad. I’m not saying that to brag. I’m just saying that’s the truth.”

An Idea Between Friends

The story behind The Salming 1148 actually began in 2018.

Longtime friend Mats Kullenberg and Salming shared an appreciation for fine watches, and what started as casual conversations eventually became an ambitious idea: create a watch entirely from scratch rather than simply licensing his name to an existing product.

Unlike many athlete branded collaborations, Salming wasn’t interested in approving sketches or lending his signature.

He wanted to build something.

“It was his project. He was really involved in the project. It wasn’t like putting your name on something. It was a project between friends.”

That distinction shaped every decision that followed.

Starting with a blank sheet of paper, the team spent years refining designs, working with manufacturers and obsessing over details large and small.

Then everything stopped.

The pandemic delayed progress, and after Salming became ill, Kullenberg admits he no longer had the motivation to continue.

“When Börje passed away, the whole project sort of died. I wasn’t very interested in pushing forward.”

It was his fiancée who suggested speaking with the Salming family before shelving years of work.

That conversation changed everything.

The brothers immediately recognized what their father had been trying to create and encouraged Kullenberg to continue.

“When Mats reached out to us, we felt right away that this was something we wanted to continue because it was something my dad had started.”

The family had no way of knowing how people would respond.

“We didn’t know if it was going to be a success, but we went all in.”

Designing Börje, Not Hockey

One of the most fascinating conversations I had came from the chat I had with Niklas Madsen (CEO, Superlab; design lead), who explained that the biggest challenge wasn’t creating a luxury timepiece.

It was resisting the temptation to make hockey merchandise.

“We did not want it to be like a Disney watch.”

Instead of filling the dial with hockey sticks, pucks and obvious references, the design team intentionally stripped ideas away.

“Let’s design a watch first. Then we add small details.”

The approach mirrored Salming’s own personality.

“He loved design. He loved Scandinavian design. He wanted a watch that he would want to wear every day.”

Over months and years, the team refined countless concepts, removing more than they added until only subtle references remained.

The goal, he said, was for owners to continue discovering details long after they first put it on.

“You’ll see new things after months… maybe years.”

That philosophy is reflected throughout the finished piece.

The number 21, Salming’s famous jersey number, is the only numeral on the dial. The crown is textured like a hockey puck. The chronograph seconds hand incorporates the silhouette of Toronto’s CN Tower.

Even the weight of the watch became an intentional design decision.

“It needed to have some weight to it. When you put it on, you need to feel something. It couldn’t be too light.”

Not because heavier is necessarily better, but because the watch needed to feel substantial enough to carry the story behind it.

A Father’s Style

Perhaps the most touching moments from my conversations came when both sons were asked what immediately reminded them of their father when they first saw the completed watch.

Neither pointed to the hidden hockey references.

Instead, both described something far more personal.

For Rasmus, it was the bracelet.

His father had given him a watch years earlier with a similar bracelet design, making it instantly familiar.

“The bracelet… that was for sure.”

Anders had a different reaction.

“It wasn’t the actual small details. It was the overall feeling of the watch.”

He paused before offering perhaps the strongest endorsement any designer could hope to hear.

“When I look at this watch, I think of my dad.”

He wasn’t talking about hockey.

He was remembering the man.

“The way he was with his clothes and his style… he had this movie star era about him.”

The watch, elegant without demanding attention, reminded him of exactly that.

Hidden Stories

One of the most interesting aspects of The Salming 1148 is that many of its most meaningful elements are nearly invisible.

Rather than overwhelming the design with symbolism, every reference invites a second look.

Kullenberg believes that restraint was essential.

“We didn’t want to make it too hockey. We wanted to make it nice, classy… small details make the difference.”

That same philosophy extended to manufacturing.

The watch uses a Swiss mechanical movement while every piece is assembled by hand in Stockholm, reflecting Salming’s desire for uncompromising quality from beginning to end.

Only 1,148 individually numbered watches will be produced, matching the exact number of NHL regular season games Salming played during his extraordinary career.

The first one hundred have been reserved for NHL players, allowing them to wear the number that defined their own careers.

Each sale will also support charitable initiatives through the NHL Alumni Association, extending the project’s impact beyond collectors.

Finishing What Dad Started

As the evening drew to a close, the conversation returned once again to family.

What would Börje think if he could see the finished project?

“I think he would be so happy.”

Travelling to Toronto had always been a family tradition.

“We stay at the same hotel. We do basically the same things every time we come here.”

For Rasmus, this launch felt like another chapter in that tradition.

Anders agreed.

“I think he’d be very proud.”

Not simply because of the watch itself, but because it brought together family, old friends, the hockey community and a charitable partnership supporting former players.

In many ways, the launch reflected the values that those closest to him described throughout the evening: humility, friendship, craftsmanship and authenticity.

The Salming 1148 tells time, but it also tells a quieter story.

Not through oversized logos or bold branding, but through thoughtful details that reveal themselves slowly, much like the man who inspired them.

Inside the Hockey Hall of Fame, surrounded by the history of the game he helped shape, it felt less like the debut of a new watch than the completion of one final promise between a father, his family and a lifelong friend.

Sometimes the most meaningful legacies are not measured in minutes or milestones.

Sometimes they are simply finished by the people who loved you most.

The post More Than a Timepiece: How One Final Project Keeps Börje Salming’s Legacy Alive appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your channel called and what is it about?

We are called the Sweaty Trio Pod. We are a Canadian sports podcast covering the NFL, NHL & NBA. We record every Monday and already have had some cool interviews, including Cabbie Richards, Jacob Scarfone (former CFL player), George Visger (Former NFL player), Devon Bailey (Former CFL player), Aaron Rose (Raptors and Blue Jays reporter).

When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?

We started the podcast about 4 and a half months ago, and I do the podcast with my brother and one of our friends (Michael and Oussama). We started it because we are always talking sports, having debates, and we wanted a platform where we could talk about these things and post them. We are always trying to interview people with cool stories and profile them, all while keeping our fan base up tp date on the 3 sports we cover on current news.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

We do have some sports pods we all listen to, however, we don’t model our pod after anyone in particular, we are trying to be unique and set ourselves apart from the industry.

How would you describe your audience?

Currently our audience is a mix of family and friends and a chunk of people across Canada and the USA turning in. Our audience is mostly male; however, we are trying to figure out ways to interact with a female audience, too. I have reached out to a few female sports figures in Canada for an interview.

What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?

We cover breaking news for the NFL, NHL and NBA each week, we do mix in weekly segments about the Toronto Maple Leafs, and some of our favourite NFL teams. We usually end the pod with a fun game, touching on at least 1 of the sports we cover.

How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?

Yes, we are all employed outside of the podcast, we are trying to grow, and we have done well for only 4 months with over 5.5k likes on TikTok and 120 followers on Instagram. We have not paid for any content to be promoted. We post 5-6 clips a week, along with a full episode every Wednesday.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

We interviewed Cabbie Richards, and that was by far our shining moment. We recently did a golf outing at an Ontario course, and we are going to upload that in the coming weeks as well. This was called the Sweaty Trio Open. Here is our interview with Cabbie

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is getting a chance every week to hang with my brother and my friend and chat sports for an hour. I do love Mondays – when we record, as it is the highlight of our week. The worst part is trying to balance a 9-5 on top of having a podcast where we are uploading content all the time, doing outreach and trying to find interesting guests and ways to have our podcast shown to the world.

What are your future plans for your channel?

Ideally, we would like to have this become our jobs; we always talk about “when we blow up” and how amazing that would be. We understand it is a marathon, not a sprint, and we are so thrilled about the natural growth we have had over the last almost 5 months.

Where can we follow you?

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?

We have had a lot of interaction with a podcast called Buds & Pucks, they cover the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The post My Digital Life: Toronto Podcasters Sweaty Trio Pod appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Held at Ricarda’s Atrium, the evening event spotlighted a striking fusion of art and performance, with the new car design symbolizing the future of women in motorsport and tech. Just days before the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, this reveal set the tone for an historic F1 Academy weekend — the first time the all-female racing series will be featured as part of Canada’s Grand Prix festivities.

A Shared Mission: Women on the Grid and in Tech

The event featured a panel with key figures including Palmowski, 1Password COO Jeannie De Guzman, and other Canadian leaders in tech and sports. Their message was clear: empowering women in historically male-dominated spaces isn’t just symbolic — it’s strategic and overdue.

“We’re in two industries that have been traditionally male-dominated — motorsport and cybersecurity,” said De Guzman. “So, when we looked at potential partnerships, aligning with Red Bull and their women’s academy program just made sense. It’s about real investment in change — not just checkboxes.”

De Guzman, who was formerly the company’s CFO and now leads operations at 1Password, highlighted the depth of the collaboration: “While Alisha’s focused on driving, we’re securing everything behind the scenes — from race strategies to personal data. Our partnership goes far beyond logos on a car.”

Alisha Palmowski: Racing Into the Future

For 18-year-old Alisha Palmowski, the opportunity to race in Montreal carries personal and professional significance. Representing the Red Bull Racing Academy Program in the F1 Academy, Palmowski will debut the custom livery this weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

“I’m so excited — it’s a completely new track for all of us, which makes it a huge challenge,” Palmowski said. “There’s been no prior testing, so we’re all going in fresh. But I’m hoping this new livery gives me some extra speed and motivation.”

Palmowski, whose family roots in racing go back generations, shared how she got hooked on motorsport after a simple corporate go-kart session as a child. “That first drive gave me a sense of freedom I never forgot,” she said.

She also credited partners like 1Password with making her F1 Academy journey possible: “They’re the reason I’m here racing. The support allows me to focus on winning — I don’t have to worry about digital security or sensitive data. It’s a game changer.”

Design with Purpose

The bespoke livery, designed by Toronto-based artist Kirsten McCrea, is more than just visually stunning. Bold colours and symbolic patterns represent resilience, empowerment, and the complexity of female excellence — both on and off the track.

“I love that Kirsten is unapologetically bold with her designs,” said De Guzman. “This car is a visual statement of what happens when women lead with confidence — whether in tech or behind the wheel.”

A Celebration of Community and Culture

With music by award-winning DJ Lissa Monet, co-founder of Canada’s premier all-female DJ agency LUXELIFE SOUND, the evening also served as a celebration of local talent and global ambition. Guests mingled with Red Bull athletes, tech leaders, and fans united by a common cause — elevating women across industries.

As Palmowski prepares to hit the track in Montreal, this week’s event serves as both a sendoff and a statement. The future of motorsport is not just fast — it’s female, fearless, and fully supported.

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix takes place June 13–15 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, with the F1 Academy race making its highly anticipated debut on Canadian soil.

The post 1Password Drives Change with F1 Academy Partnership and Custom Livery Launch appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Riches was inspired to join the cause after hearing about the event from his friend Tamara, who had volunteered with the organization in the past. But his decision became deeply personal after recent family struggles with cancer. “We lost my mother, Debra Kerr, to brain cancer on December 28th, 2023, and my sister, Lou Riches, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer,” Dylan shared somberly. His fight is for them—and for every family touched by this disease.

The journey to fight night has been an exhilarating experience for Riches. “I’ve never trained like this before,” he admitted, describing the intensity of the workouts and dedication required to prepare for a boxing match. Despite his enthusiasm, he’s faced challenges along the way—particularly when it comes to footwork. “For years I neglected ‘doing legs,’ and I’m paying for it now,” he joked.

Fundraising has been a central part of Dylan’s preparation for the event, and his creative approach reflects the strong support he’s received from his community. His local pub will be hosting the fight so his friends and family can gather together to watch it live. Additionally, he has a table of friends, family, and clients attending the event in-person at the gala. Their enthusiasm has been a powerful motivator.

When asked who his biggest supporter has been throughout this process, Dylan didn’t hesitate: “My girlfriend, Claudia.” Her steadfast encouragement has helped him maintain focus, both mentally and physically. The preparation involves not only rigorous training but also visualisation. “I’m planning my approach and defence in my head,” Dylan explained.

As fight night approaches, Riches is filled with determination. When asked what he’s looking forward to the most at the gala, his response was straightforward—”WINNING.” Through hard work, training, and the support of those closest to him, Dylan is ready for the challenge ahead and confident in his abilities.

The Fight to End Cancer is more than just a single night of boxing—it’s a community rallying together to fund vital cancer research and support those impacted by the disease. For Dylan, the experience has also been a personal revelation. “You can always push yourself further,” he reflected.

His advice to future fighters? “Prepare, plan, and be organised.”

On May 31st, Dylan Riches won’t just be stepping into the ring—he’ll be taking a stand for his mother, his sister, and everyone affected by cancer. To support Dylan and the Fight to End Cancer’s mission, visit Fight to End Cancer. Together, we can knock out cancer.

The post Dylan Riches Fights for Family in the Battle Against Cancer appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Her decision to participate didn’t happen overnight. “I never saw myself as someone who could step into a boxing ring,” she shared. When Jennifer Huggins, founder of the Fight to End Cancer, suggested she consider trying out, Justine almost didn’t go to the orientation. “I was nervous, texting a friend the day of, unsure if I should go.” But once she arrived, everything changed.

Listening to the stories shared during the orientation, Ly was deeply moved by the mission of the Fight to End Cancer. It made her think about the people in her own life who had been impacted by cancer. “I realised this was a way I could honour them and contribute to something bigger than myself,” she reflected.

From that moment on, Justine’s resolve has only grown stronger. Training, she admits, has been an intense and humbling experience. “It doesn’t get easier—it gets more challenging with each session,” she said. But the difficulty is part of what makes it so rewarding. “Learning and growing alongside the other fighters has been incredible. It’s truly inspiring to see everyone show up with so much passion and commitment for such an important cause.”

Raising funds for cancer research is at the heart of the FTEC effort, and Justine found a uniquely creative way to contribute. As a fan of high-BPM EDM music, which keeps her motivated during tough workouts, she decided to combine her love for music with her fundraising goals. On May 3rd, 2025, she hosted RINGSIDE: Bass Takeover, a non-profit rave that transformed the Kingsway Boxing Club into an after-hours dance floor.

The event was a massive success, raising over $3,000 in one night. “Huge shoutout to the incredible DJs, volunteers, our sponsor Collective Arts, and supporters who made it all possible,” she said. It’s an example of how passion and creativity can come together for a greater cause.

While Justine has put in countless hours of hard work, she credits her success to the Kingsway Boxing community and the relationships she’s built through the sport. “It’s been an amazing source of support. Everyone shows up and gives their all in every class. Just being surrounded by that kind of dedication and energy pushes me to keep going,” she said.

As fight night approaches, Justine Ly isn’t just preparing for a physical competition—she’s stepping forward as part of a larger movement to fight cancer and honour the many lives touched by the disease. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you step out of your comfort zone and into a space of purpose, determination, and community.

To support Justine and the Fight to End Cancer’s mission, visit Fight to End Cancer. Every punch thrown and dollar raised gets us closer to a world without cancer.

The post Justine Ly Steps into the Ring: Fighting Cancer, Building Community, and Finding Strength appeared first on Toronto Guardian.