Hall of Fame Professional Hockey Player. For fifteen seasons (1953 to 1954, 1954 to 1955, 1956 to 1957 and 1959 to 1970), he played at the goaltender position in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Born John William Bower, he served with the Royal Army during World War II, prior to playing for nearly a decade with the Providence Reds and Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League. Bower was acquired by New York in 1953 and made his NHL debut prior to turning twenty-nine. After a full season, he would lose his job to Gump Worsley and spend the next two seasons mainly in the Minor Leagues. After signing with Toronto in 1957, Bower's luck changed for the better. He established himself as a tough and fearless goalie who was not afraid to stand up to the league's top scorers. He experienced four Stanley Cup titles while with the Maple Leafs (1962 to 1964 and 1967). Individually, he distinguished himself as the league leader in wins with 33 for the 1961-1962 season and earned the Vezina Trophy. He was awarded a second Vezina Trophy for the 1964-1965 season. Additionally, he led the league in Goals-Against-Average three-times and achieved all star status four-times. In 552 career regular season games, he compiled a 250 win, 195 loss and 90 tie record. After retiring as a player, he served as a scout and goalie coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976 and saw his jersey number 1 retired by the Maple Leafs in 2016.
Hall of Fame Professional Hockey Player. For fifteen seasons (1953 to 1954, 1954 to 1955, 1956 to 1957 and 1959 to 1970), he played at the goaltender position in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Born John William Bower, he served with the Royal Army during World War II, prior to playing for nearly a decade with the Providence Reds and Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League. Bower was acquired by New York in 1953 and made his NHL debut prior to turning twenty-nine. After a full season, he would lose his job to Gump Worsley and spend the next two seasons mainly in the Minor Leagues. After signing with Toronto in 1957, Bower's luck changed for the better. He established himself as a tough and fearless goalie who was not afraid to stand up to the league's top scorers. He experienced four Stanley Cup titles while with the Maple Leafs (1962 to 1964 and 1967). Individually, he distinguished himself as the league leader in wins with 33 for the 1961-1962 season and earned the Vezina Trophy. He was awarded a second Vezina Trophy for the 1964-1965 season. Additionally, he led the league in Goals-Against-Average three-times and achieved all star status four-times. In 552 career regular season games, he compiled a 250 win, 195 loss and 90 tie record. After retiring as a player, he served as a scout and goalie coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976 and saw his jersey number 1 retired by the Maple Leafs in 2016.
Bio by: C.S.
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