Hockey world mourns death of Johnny Bower
Former Toronto Maple Leafs legend Johnny Bower died at 93 on Tuesday and the hockey world at large is mourning his loss.
Bower won four Stanley Cups with the Maple Leafs through the 1960s, earned the Vezina Trophy twice, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976.
Related: Maple Leafs legend Johnny Bower dies at 93
Members of the hockey community shared their memories of the goaltender along with their condolences.
It is with great sadness that the Bower family announces the passing of @MapleLeafs legend #JohnnyBower after a short battle with pneumonia. (Photo courtesy of the Toronto Star) pic.twitter.com/FHayp8xE1t
— John Bower (@Ooks_AD) December 27, 2017
"There may not be a more loved Toronto Maple Leaf nor a former player who loved them as much back.”
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) December 27, 2017
Thank you for everything, Johnny. pic.twitter.com/6ABQV0ZtjS
The Canadiens organization is saddened to learn of the passing of Leafs legend Johnny Bower. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and the entire Maple Leafs organization. pic.twitter.com/4SUOLfVIMA
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 27, 2017
RIP Johnny Bower. What a wonderful life he lived. A true Maple Leafs' legend. pic.twitter.com/Ra8fvaDzPU
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) December 27, 2017
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
— Nazem Kadri (@43_Kadri) December 27, 2017
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Johnny Bower. Honoured to have known this Maple Leaf Icon. Legend. #RIPJohnnyBower pic.twitter.com/fYZ66jyKyE
— Doug Gilmour (@DougGilmour93) December 27, 2017
Just talked to Wendel Clark who summed up Johnny Bower this way:
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) December 27, 2017
"He was the greatest Maple #leafs player on and off the ice of all time. He was such a great person, treated everyone so well. He had 40 years on me and still had more energy than I did." #TmlTalk https://t.co/cMD7RdJ8kX
I'm stunned and saddened by the passing one of the greatest Maple Leafs ever. Spending time Johnny was a blessing as he was the kindest most humble man. We will all miss you #Bower #1 pic.twitter.com/zcxWqNoUTY
— Darcy Tucker (@16DarcyTucker) December 27, 2017
R.I.P., Mr. Johnny Bower. He represented all that is good about being a Maple Leaf – the humility, the grace, the talent. He was an incredible ambassador for his team and sport, a beloved Torontonian whose legacy will shine long beyond his passing, and he'll be deeply missed.
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) December 27, 2017
Can’t tell you how saddened I am to learn of the passing of my idol,hero,mentor,friend. Johnny Bower was one of a kind Much better person than athlete and he is a Hall of Famer Deepest sympathies to wife Nancy the kids and grand kids. A big part of the Leafs has left us RIP #1 pic.twitter.com/wehEXjiqda
— Joe Bowen (@BonsieTweets) December 27, 2017
The hockey world mourns the loss of 4 x #stanleycup champion Johnny Bower. One of hockeys greats gone. @HockeyHallFame @MapleLeafs @NHL pic.twitter.com/XFJOhHEoG5
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) December 27, 2017
I met Johnny Bower before a game in the away room in Owen Sound. I had no clue what the most legendary goalie in Leafs history was doing there that cold winter night, but when I shared with him how I was fortunate enough to be drafted by the same organization he proudly backed
— Garret Sparks (@GSparks40) December 27, 2017
for so many years between the pipes, I could see the excitement he had in his eyes for me, the love he had for this team & it’s fans and the gratitude he had for the game and the opportunities it afforded him. I will never forget that encounter, the night a true legend made me
— Garret Sparks (@GSparks40) December 27, 2017
Believe that me, some kid from Chicago could be a part of the future. He personified the spirit of a true competitor, someone fueled by the pure love of representing something bigger than himself, the game and team he loved. Rest In peace Mr. Bower, the impact you left on me
— Garret Sparks (@GSparks40) December 27, 2017
pales in comparison to the impact you left on this position, this game and this organization. Nobody meant more and there will never be another. Condolences to his family, friends & millions of Leafs fans that admired a man who lived to wear the Leaf on his chest #RIPJohnnyBower
— Garret Sparks (@GSparks40) December 27, 2017