Maple Leafs give late Johnny Bower an amazing farewell

Before puck drop against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Toronto Maple Leafs gave the late Johnny Bower an amazing tribute. Bower’s wife and family were in attendance for the ceremony.

[@User_014]

Here after the Leafs made it to the second round for the first time in 19 years, we did it for you Bower we will always remember you as #1 and one of the best people in history of the NHL. Lying about his age to fight for his own Country?!? Name one person alive now that will actually do that... R.I.P. you will be remember forever

[@stevemartin6144]

I bawled my eyes out watching this. As a kid I watched him live countless times since my Dad had seasons tickets from 1955 until the late 1970's. About 5 years ago I met my idol.....a day that I will always cherish and well remember. He acted like we were old friends and that I was the only person that mattered. Love you Johnny!

[@lukechristensen8730]

Legends never die.

[@navpreetp2752]

Luke Christensen that's why this forever great amazing legend is alive in our hearts rest in peace Johnny bower

[@ninjagite]

NEVER...

[@TheSpikestr]

SAY THAT WHEN GREZKYS DIES

[@dm19609721]

couldnt agree with you more........He is a true gentleman......just ask Gordie Howe

[@sportcinemas]

RIP bower. Once a leaf. Always a leaf.

[@TheShadow9380]

R.I..P Bower

[@CityZxens]

@@TheShadow9380 Ur Profile Picture says it all ❤️

[@brandenokal9342]

Very touching way to start of the game. Massive respect to the organization for doing this. RIP. ❤️

[@deucebigalow264]

Penguins fans here. I still watch this at least once a month & it gets me every time. Band of Brothers music went perfect with it.

[@beavus1269]

Johnny bower was born a legendary and he died a legand WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

[@mummymerefudi]

Motivation to make a deep playoff run. Bower is playing hockey with Broda now 💙. Thanks Johnny Bower. RIP

[@kevinhayde3968]

He’s in the sky playing hockey RIP Johnny bower 1924-2017

[@liammurphy1474]

R.I.P Johnny Bower you were a great Toronto Maple Leafs goalie you will be miss but you will all ways in Toronto Maple Leafs hearts and the fans you are a Leafs fan favourite and a hero

[@charleynewman4783]

There greatest goalie ever

[@PrinceAnt722]

You don't have to be a fan of the Maple Leafs to appreciate what Mr. Bower has accomplished in his career. Condolences to the family for their loss.

[@Peekingduck]

Classy man getting a classy send off. Scoring goals in heaven just got a lot more difficult ! R.I.P

[@navpreetp2752]

That smile on Johnny bowers wife was amazing rest in peace mr bower we will never forget you 🕯💙⚪️💙

[@yetihockey2957]

R.I.P Johnny, you are always there to make a save

[@crisleal3780]

This. This is the moment where grown men can cry without the judgement of their peers

[@madisonbonderud6651]

Even though I never got to see him play being only 24, Johnny has always been my favourite leaf player. I remember back when I met him and was blown away. All I wanted was a handshake and an autograph and didn’t want to bother him but he went out of his way insisting I get a picture and wanted to talk to me about me and how my hockey team was doing. Johnny is easily the most humble person I have ever met. He was the most selfless person and did everything he could for the fans. December 26, 2017 was my birthday. I opened my big present which was an autographed Johnny Bower figurine. With it still in my hands I received the text that he was gone and it broke my heart. I hope players around the league and all kids who play hockey look up to him as a role model and a teacher and to live as he did. Johnny will always be the best in my heart.

[@girlygoalie]

That was beautifully said, Madison. He was before my time too, but watching videos of him is so inspiring.

[@rajcooper6274]

Thanks for getting me all weepy eyed Sportsnet.

[@paintballgod33]

Met the man several times. Usually at shows where people paid for his autograph. He'd walk around the show before signing time and signed everything a kid put in front of him. Classy fella...I really miss him.

[@SuperStrik9]

RIP Johnny. I'm honoured to have met you.

[@MrNice1966]

#1 on the ice and #1 in Leafs fans hearts - forever. there will never be another Toronto Maple Leafs player as well known as Johnny. Glad his family could attend this tribute and be shown - again how loved JB was to this team, these fans and the City. I am glad he didn't suffer in the end. His career is legendary yet he was such a Humble man. RIP JB, u will NEVER be forgotten. This Leafs fan will always remember you.

[@shawnflanagan4995]

LA Kings fan since '82 here. That was REALLY good.

[@shayneramsay1388]

Legends die, but their legacy to the game we love will always be something that we as hockey fans admire. Thank you Mr Bower for what you did for the sport we love, I think it would be the ultimate tribute to Johnny if the Leafs could win the Cup this time around. From a hockey fan in Australia, thank you and farewell.

[@philt5782]

I tried so hard not to shed a tear but I failed when Johnny teed off with a hockey stick. Jesus and Johnny are playing shinny... Johnny saves...

[@danielstephens9748]

I was and am Bruin fan...but you can't not love Johnny!...legend!

[@fantasyguru26]

Johnny Bower was before my time but I've seen many videos of his playing days. It was incredible to watch. He was so energetic and so focused on doing whatever he could to help the team succeed. That is how he conducted himself in retirement as well. In my opinion the greatest ambassador for this franchise. He truly bled blue. Met the man on a few occasions he always had time for the fans. A class act. It's sad that he has passed on but his was a blessed life - 4 Stanley Cups, a wife of 69 years, 3 children, 14 grandchildren and the respect of millions of hockey fans. RIP#1

[@jraybay]

Fantasy Guru :]

[@charleynewman4783]

Very good save percentage

[@girlygoalie]

A courageous, creative, and passionate goalie. A humble, encouraging, and decent man.

[@atreyuavenged1]

Leafs tributes are always on point.

[@CharlieND]

They sure are.

[@alexrowdyrodrigues9716]

@@FlamesHockeyForJeff #1 Bower #2 Broda #3 Potvin #4 Joseph #5 Palmateer #6 Belfour #7 Andersen #8 Terry Sawchuk #9 J.S Giguere #10 James Reimer

[@mattcordero8612]

@@alexrowdyrodrigues9716 take out Andersen, Giguere and Reimer lmaoooo

[@alexrowdyrodrigues9716]

@@mattcordero8612 it's my personal list lmao sure as hell I'm not putting Raycroft on that list

[@douglasrielly9945]

I had the chance to play golf with Mr. Bower in an Easter Seals fundraiser tournament. Forgot the date. It cost me a $500 donation but the worst part was missing the opportunity to meet him. Rest in peace Mr. Bower. Forever my hero.

[@HaloNinja009]

RIP Johnny Bower. Thank you for the memories.

[@iguana9173]

He’s reunited with Gordie Howe playing hockey in heaven now. Rip Johnny bower.

[@donscott4143]

One word for the man. "Class" Something to be said for that generation as a whole. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.

[@PRYVTgomerPYLE]

Damn man... This makes me sad. He was such a happy and humble man! A true Leaf, forever!

[@cheetodustfn5050]

Thank you Johnny for everything

[@colemacintyre2624]

Amazing tribute to an amazing person. Well done Maple Leafs! From a #habsfan, but an overall #hockeyfan - Rest In Peace Mr. Bower!

[@ruqayahrahaman1047]

this gave me chills. always in our hearts Bower

[@MineCraftDadnSon]

I met him in Toronto once at a road hockey to conquer cancer ball hockey fundraiser/tournament. It was one heck of a day and many people had fun. He signed my shirt after signing many young children's shirts and other stuff. I honestly just wanted to meet him and he offered to sign it I was blown away. He has always been one of my favs I would pretend I was him in net I feel he was a nice man and a great hockey guy the strange thing is I Never really ever heard him talk about hockey that much I guess he didn't need to say much.

[@Mike-jf8py]

Love the respect shown by Howe with his arm around him during the interview. Bower is the greatest number one of all time in my books.

[@edwardyoung522]

What a legacy.

[@daboys1215]

Legend - nothing more need be said. RIP Johnny

[@christiec4548]

Wow. Thank you for posting as I missed this the other night. RIP.

[@OVTHEBEASTYT]

I will remember you in my heart Johnny

[@gregoryastill7275]

absolutely beautiful.

[@dpayne6567]

The Leafs are my team. But tonight the best team is in heaven. Bower and Broda in Goal. Horton, Clancy, Barilko and Day on defense. Up front, Apps, Kennedy, Conacher, Jackson, Bentley, Primeau, Bailey, Schriner, Davidson. My 5th D is Red Horner in case things get tough out there. Coach Hap Day. Try beating that team.

[@steviewonder6232]

dont forget Harold ballard as your cheerleader

[@hkkmn-yl5yp]

I got the fighting irishmmen pat quinn as HC.

[@chrisbobuk1637]

Quinn and good ol Pat Burns are my coaches along with Day. Would’ve killed to grow up with some of those teams and going to old 60 Carlton Street. ACC along with the new arenas have zero character or atmosphere

[@SuperStrik9]

Balroop Singh Harold Ballard? Are you trying to ruin this? Conn Smythe as owner.

[@SuperStrik9]

SHVikings 39 I'll never forget seeing games at the Gardens. That place was the definition of atmosphere. You could feel it the second you walked into the place. Glad it's still around and didn't get torn down like most old stadiums.

[@billverge7822]

revisiting this tribute 5yrs later, we have sadly lost Mrs. Bower (2021) George Armstrong (2021) Bob Nevin (2020) and Eddie Shack (2020) RIP and Ron Ellis (2024)

[@rougedemoncollects5239]

Johnny bower played waaaaaaay before my time. But he sounds like a great great person and proud human being. Not too mention he had a tough guy mentality . And I mean that in a good way. May he rest in peace in not just heaven, but in his family's heart and memories and the maple leaf fans all around the world. #1 maple leaf forever.

[@charleynewman4783]

Definitely there goat and very good SV%

[@DPrimal]

a lovely tribute. Who gave this a thumbs down?!?!?

[@42.0fmthefever5]

Thank you Johnny! ❤😊🍁

[@user-qv2ur2bw3z]

What a legacy am O am not just talking about his hockey career but look at his family he had wow

[@Domarikat]

A very sad ending to 2017 with the lose of Johnny. Hopefully the lads give it their all this game and the rest of the season for him, and even into the playoffs (hopefully).

[@charleynewman4783]

Greatest leaf player of all time period

[@goalieg3391]

As a goalie, you appreciate the ones who came before you, the ones you studied their craft from. Yet, I was born long before he played, seeing as much respect he got during his jersey retirement and during this; it sucks to loose one more net minder for the crease.

[@charleynewman4783]

Ridiculous save percentage

[@rjlee_]

cool how they got joe bowen to narrate the tribute video

[@jer4763]

he does all the radio commentating...often find myself listening to that watching games rather than the broadcast audio

[@timobrien8809]

Thank You Johnny !!

[@corycoulter7967]

Hope Johnny sends down some luck to the leafs so we can finally win a cup

[@steviewonder6232]

last time the leafs won a cup was when there was 6 teams and the Last Canadian team to win was 1993 lol goodluck

[@corycoulter7967]

Balroop .Singh lol

[@kirstendodson30]

Cory Coulter I agree with you that Toronto needs The Stanley Cup! Go Leafs Go!

[@joer8854]

I'm just glad the sport of hockey got Johnny and that we had the privilege to say that he was one of us. He earned decorations other goalies could only dream of and he won them at an age most goaltenders careers are at an end.

[@simonmarshall19]

R.I.P. Johnny Bower ! He’s reunited with Mr Hockey Gordie Howe !

[@scottkazmer3437]

Johnny B. Love him more than my life. Amen

[@jeffajkoay5340]

Always a legend and a maple leaf forever Johnny bower

[@thediscostu4127]

As a Wings fan I'm thinking about Gordie and Johnny going fishing together

[@HigzyTeflon]

Bless you, Johnny. RIP

[@Girthon1]

I was there!

[@natedawg3654]

What a great life.

[@distantreplaydotorg]

The Original 6 era buried future stars in the AHL for years and Johnny was a victim of that system. Rather than complain and act like a victim he worked his ass off and in his 30's he finally got his second chance in the NHL and boy did he make the most of it. A true story of greatness and perseverance! RIP #1

[@austonsplatpoo1705]

7 dislikes has to be jets fans even habs fans wouldn't dislike this

[@joer8854]

Habs fans would probably be angry people disliked it honestly. Johnny was a leaf for sure, but he was a gift to hockey as a whole. Habs fans have more respect than that.

[@charleynewman4783]

Goat goalie for the leafs what a legend RIP 🪦

[@tplomonte]

I was 4 yrs old playing Hockey on a outdoors rink in King City. I was wearing my blue Maple sweater over top of my snowsuit. I don't remember what time we started playing ? I was with my older brother who put me in net. Of course I was Johnny Bower! After a while my brother pulled me from.the net because I would the other team score as he said lol. So I then became Frank Mahavolich. The lights just started to come on as they did our mother arrived and wasn't to pleased with my older brother as we I had been playing well past 5pm . Our mother then said that I had to come home as it was getting to late and getting colder. Lucky we didn't live to far from the rink. When she got me home I started teller my mom all about the hockey game . Mom you should have seen me I did this I did that I stop that shot . As I was telling her she was getting frustrated as my Maple Leaf Sweater was fused frozen to my snow suit Mom I was Frank Mahavolich when I was out and Johnny Bower when I was in the net Johnny Bower Mom. Mom then said well I bet you Johnny Bower didn't have to stand if front of a wood stove to get out of his snow suit and Maple Leaf Sweater ....she was pissed lol But I was Johnny Bower

[@CastOfCons]

Ngl sheded a tear when I heard he passed

[@dallasnetherton8337]

RIP legend

[@arsenuhl7]

Rest In Peace🙏🏻

[@bossmarko1238]

That game I was there for you johnny

[@bossmarko1238]

I l

[@Stewieboy1995]

Thanks Johnny!!

[@carlurbas2215]

God bless this hero

[@rjsweda]

wow, very sweet!

[@EbelleLincolnLoud]

my mom actually met johnny bower at the pacific colosseum in Vancouver for a meet and greet event

[@lachlanbartley]

😭😭😭😭 I ❤ Bower

[@sirize9971]

Rest In Peace Johnny Bower

[@matthewbarnaby9819]

*R.I.P.*

[@alyssa_1320]

Once a Leaf Always a leaf R I P Bower😭

[@jimbojones8978]

Joe Bowen, what a speech. Wishful thinking he wrote it, but either way #BringBackBowen. RIP Bower. That smile will live on for the ages.

[@iankelly488]

I met him in Burlington Ontario when I was little didn't know who he was till I watched old leafs games

[@sugibear123]

Watching this tribute from 2017 there are a few more that have passed.

[@t.m.196]

CLASSIC GENTLEMAN 👍

[@12346789superman]

Rip❤️

[@mikehawk7903]

Retire number 1 for the whole league

[@OnshapeOperator]

Who the heck disliked this

[@AZrakoon]

A habs fan

[@CupContender]

Victor Lim habs fan!

[@Peekingduck]

Someone who hates hockey and good deeds I'm guessing. Some sad characters out there.

[@braydenrodger6984]

Victor Lim I don’t know

[@braydenrodger6984]

Victor Lim I

[@FrontlineHockey]

wow

[@SonicWilliamX]

We love you Johnny.

[@conankesh]

Wait, wasn't that Mahovolich that came out with Keon and Mrs.Bower? (Not Armstrong, he came out after Mrs.Bower)

[@PinkyThumbs]

I’m not crying. You’re crying!

[@Jack-ki8gt]

R I P ❤️

[@zacheryalderton6741]

Should have been Married for 75 years

[@Emxlir]

Merci pour les macht

[@Emxlir]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😨😨😨😨😨

[@craigmcintosh7241]

Couldn't get the introduction correct for this ceremony!?!?!?

[@Dwarcy]

Hope your day is legend diary

[@MegaHello202]

I hope once people are allowed back in the arena that they do a similar ceremony for George Armstrong and Eddie Shack

[@keithhilson6482]

RIP

[@lukatkalcevic9032]

❤️

[@zacheryalderton6741]

should have been 99 years old

[@Zacheryalderton-ln8gs]

How did Johnny met Nancy

[@sonnicraig4284]

Rip ❤️🥺

[@leemsunboxingking6557]

😭This is so sad

[@charleynewman4783]

RIP Bower

[@andygrenn680]

Between the posts was only the beginning of Johnny Bower’s legacy…

[@orvheinrichs6608]

rip bower