John William Bower November 8, 1924 – December 26, 2017), nicknamed “The China Wall”, was a Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender who won four Stanley Cups during his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF LEAF GREAT JOHNNY BOWER
Toronto Maple Leafs President & Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan today released the following statement regarding the passing of Leaf great Johnny Bower:
“The entire Toronto Maple Leaf organization is deeply saddened following the passing of Johnny Bower.
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.
Our deepest sympathies and gratitude go to Nancy, their children and the entire Bower family for sharing their husband, father and grandfather with us for so many years.
There may not be a more loved Toronto Maple Leaf nor a former player who loved them as much back.”
National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman today released the following statement regarding the passing of Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Johnny Bower:
“There is so much to appreciate in Johnny Bower’s accomplishments on the ice – including the four Stanley Cups and membership in the Hockey Hall of Fame – and yet there was so much more to the man who served his sport, his country, and his community with such distinction,” Commissioner Bettman said. “Johnny Bower enriched us all by sharing the pure joy he felt for the game he played and for the men who played it, with him and against him. It was a personal privilege to know him, a delight to be in his presence and an honor to celebrate him as one of the 100 Greatest Players in NHL history.
“Johnny Bower was a bright light of our sport – a light that will shine forever. As the NHL family grieves his loss, we send heartfelt condolences and comfort to his wife, Nancy, his family and his countless friends inside and outside the game.”
UPDATE
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS TO HOST A PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF LIFE TO HONOUR JOHNNY BOWER
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the club will host a Celebration of Life event honouring Johnny Bower on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 3 p.m. at Air Canada Centre. The details for this event are as follows:
The Celebration of Life will be open to the public with doors opening at 2 p.m. The Gate 1 entrance of Air Canada Centre will be the only point of entry for the event.
Seating will be available in the arena stands of Air Canada Centre, on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating on the arena floor will be reserved for the family and special guests by invitation. Members of the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and MLSE organization will be in attendance along with Toronto Maple Leaf alumni and guests from the National Hockey League.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Trillium Health Partners – Credit Valley Hospital or to the Mississauga Humane Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.glenoaks.ca.
