TORONTO — Johnny Bower, a beloved former Maple Leaf goalie who helped Toronto win its last Stanley Cup in 1967, has died. He was 93.
Bower’s family said in a statement Tuesday the Hall of Famer died following a short battle with pneumonia.
Bower was a two-time Vezina Trophy winner who became known as the China Wall. His career took off after the Leafs claimed him in a 1958 intra-league draft. Bower played 475 regular-season games and won four Stanley Cups for the Leafs before playing his final game as a 45-year-old in 1969.
Bower won the Vezina Trophy in 1961 and shared it with teammate Terry Sawchuk in 1965. The Leafs hoisted the Cup in 1962, ’63, ’64 and ’67.
“The entire Toronto Maple Leaf organization is deeply saddened following the passing of Johnny Bower,” team president and alternate governor Brendan Shanahan said in a statement. “Johnny was beloved by so many for much more than his Hall of Fame credentials as a player. It was his generosity of spirit, kindness and passion for people that made him a legend at life.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs, and our fans, are deeply indebted to Johnny for all that he gave to us, and taught us over the years. We will miss him dearly, but we know that his presence will forever be felt by our Club and our city.”
Bower is survived by his 69-year-old wife Nancy, his three children — John Jr, Cindy and Barbara — and his eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
— With AP
