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Johnny Bower a tower of power between the pipes
Posted on 26th Nov 2011 @ 10:42 AM
DC SPORTS 
(in conjunction with the Hockey Hall of Fame) produced a series of Limited Edition Autographed Lithographs featuring the artwork used on the cards. The lithographs used the artwork of Doug West, who has hand-signed and numbered each lithograph. Each player has also hand-signed the lithograph in pencil at the bottom of the print. The lithograph available in our Memorabilia section measures 12.5inches by 19.75 inches. Johnny Bower AKA “The China Wall” played in the NHL until he was in his mid-40s. He guided the Maple Leafs to four Stanley Cups in the 1960s. Beautiful print - $125
Johnny Bower defied the ravages of time. A World War II veteran, Bower never got his break until he was in his thirties as he toiled in the Minors for most of his early career. Finally after an abbreviated stint with the New York Rangers and after well over a decade in the AHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs claimed the veteran Bower off waivers, and he went on to help the Leafs win four Stanley Cups in the 1960s(1962,'63,'64 and 1967 when he was well into his forties). Bower didn't reveal his true age which may have been older than what was thought. At apparently over 44 years of age, and with failing eyesight and an arthritic stick hand, he managed to become the oldest goaltender to play in a Stanley Cup Playoff game in 1969.
Known for his ability to cut off the angles and for his poke-checking style, one nite after the opposition had dinged several shots off his goalposts and crossbars, when asked by a reporter if he was just lucky that nite, Bower's alleged response was, "You have to be lucky to be good and good to be lucky."
Bower was one of the most popular players in NHL history and tended goal for several years without a mask (ouch!). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976 and the AHL Hall of Fame in 2006.