I met Johnny Bower before a game in the away room in Owen Sound. I had no clue what the most legendary goalie in Leafs history was doing there that cold winter night, but when I shared with him how I was fortunate enough to be drafted by the same organization he proudly backed
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A collection of the best Johnny Bower stories
There’s little that’s been said about Johnny Bower that hasn’t been said already.
Passing away yesterday at the age of 93, Bower embodied the Toronto Maple Leafs organization every day of his life.
A late bloomer in his career, coming into the NHL while in his thirties, the man known as “The China Wall” won four Stanley Cups in his time in Toronto. After his retirement, he worked in several roles for the team, and was a staple of many pregame celebrations and community events over the years. While it seems disingenuous to just amalgamate a bunch of tweets, Johnny Bower’s story really is one that’s best told through the people who knew him:
Click to expand the thread on this one from Marlies goalie Garret Sparks.
This photo of Johnny Bower and his wife Nancy when he received his Legends Row statue is just priceless.
Can’t tell you how saddened I am to learn of the passing of my idol,hero,mentor,friend. Johnny Bower was one of a kind Much better person than athlete and he is a Hall of Famer Deepest sympathies to wife Nancy the kids and grand kids. A big part of the Leafs has left us RIP #1
The only NHL autograph I have. Johnny Bower may be gone, but there will always be a place for him in our hearts. #LeafsNation
Brendan Shanahan on his earliest memories of Johnny Bower, growing up in Toronto:
It's sad that he never got to open the bottle thestar.com/sports/leafs/2…
NHL Network remembers the life and career of Johnny Bower.
Did an NHL Alumni event years ago honouring Johnny Bower. His whole family was there...kids, grandkids.They asked me to read a letter they all wrote him. It was clear he was an even better Dad/Grampa than the man we saw publicly (which is saying something). Just a wonderful guy.
Rest in peace, Johnny. We’ll miss you forever.
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