Journal Pioneer

Hockey world reacts to the death of Hall of Famer Johnny Bower

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Th e death of Hockey Hall of Famer Johnny Bower has unleashed a fl ood of tributes from within the hockey world and beyond.

The Toronto Maple Leafs legend died on Tuesday after a short battle with pneumonia, according to a statement from his family. He was 93.

Players past and present, the NHL, the Leafs organizati­on and many others shared their condolence­s and stories about the impact Bower had on them after hearing the news of his death.

“Th ere may not be a more loved Toronto Maple Leaf nor a former player who loved them as much back,” Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said in a statement.

“Johnny was beloved by so many for much more than his Hall of Fame credential­s as a player,” added Shanahan, who was scheduled to address the media on Wednesday morning outside the Air Canada Centre.

“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.” NHL commission­er Gary Bettman said Bower, who became nicknamed The China Wall for his daring play in net, was admired by everyone. “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,” said Bettman.

“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 honour to celebrate him as one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history.”

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