RIP Johnny Bower
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Before my time, he lived a long rewarding life.
I did a background check of the Leafs goalies of the 60's, its quite a contrast. Both Bower and Terry Sawchuck were from Western Canada, Prince Albert and Winnipeg respectively, but that's where the similarity ended. Bower was a genial gentleman while Sawchuck may have been bi-polar. Bower was always popular with his team mates, Sawchuck more often than not fought with his. He even took on Gordie Howe! In the 1967 playoffs, Bower got injured. It was Sawchuck who backstopped the Leafs to their 4th Stanley Cup of the decade.
A pic tells 1000 words.
https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/131211-life-hockey-goalie-sawchuk-1966.jpg?quality=85&w=727
I did a background check of the Leafs goalies of the 60's, its quite a contrast. Both Bower and Terry Sawchuck were from Western Canada, Prince Albert and Winnipeg respectively, but that's where the similarity ended. Bower was a genial gentleman while Sawchuck may have been bi-polar. Bower was always popular with his team mates, Sawchuck more often than not fought with his. He even took on Gordie Howe! In the 1967 playoffs, Bower got injured. It was Sawchuck who backstopped the Leafs to their 4th Stanley Cup of the decade.
A pic tells 1000 words.
https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/131211-life-hockey-goalie-sawchuk-1966.jpg?quality=85&w=727
I met Mr Bower a few times, he was all class. Would take the time for anyone. Very interesting and funny character. A great ambassador for the Leafs and for the city of Toronto. A true legend. RIP.
The Leafs should honour his memory with a commemorative patch for the rest of this season.
The Leafs should honour his memory with a commemorative patch for the rest of this season.
Now I understand why Terry Sawchuck isn't on Legend's Row, I assumed he was on more than one Leafs Stanley Cup Team. He wasn't, he joined the Leafs in 65, he and Bower won the Vezina that year.
Not before my time and it’s actually “Sawchuk”. His personal problems have not diminished his status as a legendary NHL goaltender. Facing Bobby Hull slapshots without a mask may well have driven most any mortal to drink.
Couldn’t agree more. I attended a charity golf tournament a few years back which had a silent auction with sports memorabilia. I noted with disbelief that an autographed photo of Johnny Bower was priced with a lower reserve than one of James Reimer! I entered a starting bid for Johnny at the higher amount and no one made another bid.
I was at the game at the old MLG (much more atmosphere than the ACC) where Sawchuk got his 100th shutout which, I believe, was a record at the time. As well, George Armstrong got his 250th goal in the same game.
The CBC had a short documentary on Johnny Bower after his passing. He and Gordie Howe were lifelong friend, I can see the connection. Both were not convinced that the formation of a player's union would work, they both just wanted to play. Sawchuk appears to have paid the price for supporting Ted Lindsey, he was traded to the Boston Bruins (perrenial bottom dwellers) after winning the Stanley Cup in 1955. After his altercation with Howe, Jack Adams dumped him - the Wings wouldn't win another for 42 years.
The film Net Worth is available on YouTube, Al Waxman plays Jack Adams
Met him a few years ago. We chatted for a good 15 minutes about all sorts of things. I also had my photo taken with him, which he autographed. He was a class act all the way. Not only what he did on the ice, but off as well makes him one of the greatest Leafs IMHO.
RIP Johnny Bower - The China Wall
RIP Johnny Bower - The China Wall
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