Johnny Bower

The China Wall (Known as "John William Kiszkan")

Hall of Fame Goaltender, Four-Time Stanley Cup Champion, "The China Wall"

Born 8 November 1924

Prince Albert, Canada

Passed Away 26 December 2017 Toronto, Canada

Lifespan 93 years old

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"Never give up on your dreams, even if it takes you until you're thirty-five to reach the big leagues."

Archival Overview

Beloved Hall of Fame goaltender who lied about his age to serve in WWII, perfected the poke check, and backstopped the Maple Leafs to four Stanley Cups in his forties.

Biographical Record

John William Bower (born Kiszkan) was the son of Ukrainian-Canadian homesteaders in Saskatchewan, fashioning his first goalie pads from old mattresses. Enlisting in the Canadian Army at age fifteen during World War II, Bower spent thirteen grueling years in the minor leagues before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs at age thirty-three.

Nicknamed "The China Wall," Bower was renowned for his fearless, teeth-rattling poke check. He won two Vézina Trophies and anchored the Leafs to four Stanley Cup championships (1962, 1963, 1964, 1967). Cherished as a gentlemanly ambassador of hockey, he was appointed to the Order of Canada.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Toronto, Canada

                         GPS: 43.6961, -79.3900                    

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