RIP Johnny Bower

[Parrothead]

I couldn't just put this one in the hockey thread.

WWII vet and Toronto Maple Leafs legend Johnny Bower passed away today, age 93. Nicknamed "The China Wall", his name is on the Stanley Cup four times as a Maple Leaf in the 60's. He won the Vezina trophy a couple of times and was inducted into the HHoF, in 1976. A long time fan favourite in these parts, definitely a sad day for this city.

[SciFiFisher]

It's sad when legends like that pass on.

[Parrothead]

Today has been declared "Johnny Bower Day" in Toronto. A public ceremony celebrating his life, gets underway at the ACC, this afternoon. The Leafs had their first home game, since his passing, last night. Before the game, his wife of 69 years, was escorted onto the ice in front of the Leafs net, by Frank Mahovlich and Dave Keon, other family members were escorted by George Armstrong, Ron Ellis, Bob Nevin and Eddie Shack. All were wearing Bower jerseys. A short clip of his time as a Leaf was played.

Seeing as he didn't sign with the Leafs until he was 33, he had spent a number of years in the AHL, mostly in Cleveland. Many of his records as a goalie for the Barons, still stand.

[Thumper]

Sounds like some nice ceremonies.