Hockey royalty shows up in force to pay tribute to legendary Leaf Johnny Bower
TORONTO — Fans and a Who’s Who of hockey remembered Johnny Bower as a great goaltender and a better man Wednesday.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Hall of Famers Yvan Cournoyer, Red Kelly, Frank Mahovlich, Darryl Sittler and Doug Gilmour were just some of the hockey elite on hand for what was billed as a celebration of the legendary goalie who died Dec. 26 at the age of 93 after a bout of pneumonia.
Coach Mike Babcock and the entire current Toronto lineup watched from the Air Canada Centre floor. Four generations of Bowers including Nancy, Johnny’s wife of 69 years, were also front and centre.
Fans, many in Leaf jerseys, sat in the lower bowl and chanted “Go Leafs Go” when prompted by Bower’s grandson John Bower III.