The world lost a great human being on Tuesday evening after news broke that NHL legend and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Bower passed away at the age of 93 after a short battle with pneumonia.
Bower was known as “The China Wall” throughout his NHL career and you can understand why when you look at his long list of accomplishments. Over the course of his NHL career, the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native won the Stanley Cup four times and was a two-time Vezina Trophy winner.
However, while a lot of current hockey fans never got a chance to see Bower play between the pipes, it didn’t matter because he was still one of the most respected players of all-time, especially throughout the City of Toronto.
It didn’t matter if you’re six or 66, Bower always made time for the fans and made the most fantastic impression on everyone he encountered over the years, regardless of their status.
Not many players can leave a lasting impression on fans long after their playing days, but Bower was unlike any other person you had ever met. He always took part in community and team initiatives, and was always finding different ways to stay busy by giving back to the community.
Bower was idolized by young and old Toronto Maple Leafs fans throughout his life, but he was always a man of the people. He never let his legendary status get to his head and was one of the most humble human beings you’ll ever meet.
The world lost a great goalie today, but they lost an even better human being.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Bower.
