Hockey world reacts to the death of Hall of Famer Johnny Bower
The death of Hockey Hall of Famer Johnny Bower has unleashed a flood 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.
“There 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.”
Fellow Hall of Famer Doug Gilmour tweeted: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Johnny Bower. Honoured to have known this Maple Leaf Icon. Legend. # RipjohnnyBower.”
Former Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph posted a photo of himself alongside Bower on social media.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Leaf legend Johnny Bower! Loved him as a goalie, loved him as a person!,” Joseph tweeted with the photo.
Toronto forward Nazem Kadri was among some current players who also took to Twitter to express their condolences.
“One of the classiest guys I have ever been around. Always had time for the fans and the city of Toronto. Rest in peace Johnny #1,” he tweeted.
Upon retirement in 1970, Bower joined the Leafs front office as a scout and coach, a position he held for 20 years until becoming the team’s goodwill ambassador in 1990.