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Bower: A Legendary Life
Johnny Bower is known as one of the greatest Toronto Maple Leafs of all time, but he came from humble beginnings. He taught himself how to play hockey on the frozen rivers of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, using a tree branch his father had sharpened into a stick and cut-up mattresses or Eaton’s catalogues as goalie pads. He’d spend hours in the frigid air, learning to catch the puck in mittened hands, never dreaming that he would one day skate on the same ice as his Saturday-night idols.
But skate it he did, playing on teams in New York, Providence and Cleveland on his way to joining the Maple Leafs for their storied three consecutive Stanley Cup victories in the early sixties. He was known as a tough, reliable player who wanted nothing more than to be in the crease night after night. He spent eleven seasons with the Leafs, playing until just shy of his forty-fifth birthday.
After his retirement, Bower’s legend only grew—he became one of the most beloved Leafs alumni, a legend for his performance on the ice and his generous heart off it. In Bower, Dan Robson shares the never-before-told stories of Johnny’s life and career, drawing on interviews with those who knew and loved him and the game he played.
But skate it he did, playing on teams in New York, Providence and Cleveland on his way to joining the Maple Leafs for their storied three consecutive Stanley Cup victories in the early sixties. He was known as a tough, reliable player who wanted nothing more than to be in the crease night after night. He spent eleven seasons with the Leafs, playing until just shy of his forty-fifth birthday.
After his retirement, Bower’s legend only grew—he became one of the most beloved Leafs alumni, a legend for his performance on the ice and his generous heart off it. In Bower, Dan Robson shares the never-before-told stories of Johnny’s life and career, drawing on interviews with those who knew and loved him and the game he played.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 30, 2024
BOWER: A LEGENDARY LIFE is the story of the life and career of beloved Toronto Maple Leafs legend, Johnny Bower.
While Johnny was not able to put pen to paper to tell his life story in his own words prior to his passing in 2017, author Dan Robson took on the task of sorting through Johnny’s ninety-three years and encapsulating it into the definitive biography of the vaunted goaltender.
Much had to be cleared up, or at the very least, shed light on. Johnny’s actual age has always been a bit of a mystery given that he was purposely vague about it as he enlisted to fight in the second World War as a minor (he certainly was not alone in that regard). Robson also had to clear up the history surrounding Johnny’s name change (born Kiszkan), as there had been various reasons given throughout the years by Johnny (a whole chapter is dedicated to this).
One of the more shocking revelations - and this may have been well known by those more familiar with Johnny’s career - was that Johnny had played his entire career with rheumatoid arthritis, which I cannot wrap my head around. Playing in that much pain and discomfort while also dealing with the litany of facial injuries that come without wearing a mask made him one tough customer for sure. Despite his legendary status today, the road to the NHL was not an easy one for Johnny. He played professionally for sixteen seasons before finally landing in Toronto and securing a spot as a full time NHLer. He was long considered the best goaltender not in the NHL, but grew frustrated with call-ups and relocations, choosing rather to stay in the minor leagues where he would have stability.
Robson does his best to put together a comprehensive history of one of the game’s most adored athletes. The book is filled with amazing stories surrounding his depression-era upbringing in rural Saskatchewan, his side-hustle running a restaurant with Gordie Howe, and his post-playing days in Toronto. Avoiding the trappings of game-by-game and play-by-play recaps, BOWER: A LEGENDARY LIFE is one of the better player-focused hockey books I’ve read.
While Johnny was not able to put pen to paper to tell his life story in his own words prior to his passing in 2017, author Dan Robson took on the task of sorting through Johnny’s ninety-three years and encapsulating it into the definitive biography of the vaunted goaltender.
Much had to be cleared up, or at the very least, shed light on. Johnny’s actual age has always been a bit of a mystery given that he was purposely vague about it as he enlisted to fight in the second World War as a minor (he certainly was not alone in that regard). Robson also had to clear up the history surrounding Johnny’s name change (born Kiszkan), as there had been various reasons given throughout the years by Johnny (a whole chapter is dedicated to this).
One of the more shocking revelations - and this may have been well known by those more familiar with Johnny’s career - was that Johnny had played his entire career with rheumatoid arthritis, which I cannot wrap my head around. Playing in that much pain and discomfort while also dealing with the litany of facial injuries that come without wearing a mask made him one tough customer for sure. Despite his legendary status today, the road to the NHL was not an easy one for Johnny. He played professionally for sixteen seasons before finally landing in Toronto and securing a spot as a full time NHLer. He was long considered the best goaltender not in the NHL, but grew frustrated with call-ups and relocations, choosing rather to stay in the minor leagues where he would have stability.
Robson does his best to put together a comprehensive history of one of the game’s most adored athletes. The book is filled with amazing stories surrounding his depression-era upbringing in rural Saskatchewan, his side-hustle running a restaurant with Gordie Howe, and his post-playing days in Toronto. Avoiding the trappings of game-by-game and play-by-play recaps, BOWER: A LEGENDARY LIFE is one of the better player-focused hockey books I’ve read.
March 4, 2021
This was one of the better hockey bios I've read recently. Bower was a fascinating person. His actual birthdate and age was shrouded in mystery for many years, and he liked it that way. Bower was not his birth name. Up until the age of 34, he had played all but one year of his pro hockey career outside the NHL, becoming a household name in Cleveland as the goalie for the Barons. But everything changed when the Maple Leafs took a chance on a 34 year old almost rookie, who guarded their nets until age 45, anchoring the team to four Stanley Cups in the 1960s, followed by decades of serving as a goodwill ambassador for the Leafs. I don't think there is anyone in hockey who doesn't like Johnny Bower, and that respect and admiration shines through this biography. I've heard it said that it is hard to write a biography of a nice guy, because they come across as more boring than someone more complex with skeletons in the closet. This book proves that theory wrong. Bower is a very nice guy and this book is extremely interesting. Written with the full cooperation of the Bower family, Robson provides many interesting and heartwarming insights into the man both on and off the ice, detailing what was really an unconventional hockey career that eventually led to the Hall of Fame. A must read for any hockey fan (and I say that as a Montreal Canadiens fan!)
December 18, 2018
Johnny Bower was my hero. I tried to stand like him in goal. I learned to do the Johnny Bower poke check, and I have long cherished the autograph he signed for me way back in 1965 when I was 10 years old. His picture, the one on the cover of the book, hangs on the wall in my office, and I have a signed painting of him and Gordie Howe that my wife bought me for my 40th birthday.
Thank you Dan Robson for the wonderful book on his life. I have read the China Wall, and most of the other books the author listed as source material, and I was unsure if I would learn anything new about the man who has meant so much to me as a life-long Leaf fan, and goalie. Learn I did, and I cried when I read about his wife Nancy standing at the ACC listening to the fans chant Go Leafs Go.
This is an excellent book.
Thank you Dan Robson for the wonderful book on his life. I have read the China Wall, and most of the other books the author listed as source material, and I was unsure if I would learn anything new about the man who has meant so much to me as a life-long Leaf fan, and goalie. Learn I did, and I cried when I read about his wife Nancy standing at the ACC listening to the fans chant Go Leafs Go.
This is an excellent book.
February 22, 2019
The subtitle to this biography makes sense "A Legendary Life" indeed. Johnny Bower was a true Canadian Hockey Hero and one of the best goalies the NHL has ever seen. I really enjoyed reading about his life, his friendship with Gordie Howe and other hockey greats, his role as a father and husband. Bower showed sportsmanship even when it cost him, in one instance he was suspended for helping a wounded player from the opposing team. He also had a temper and a serious stubborn streak.
My complaints with this book are mainly do to writing style. Robson has engaging writing, but he relies a lot on statistics which I found pulled me out of the narrative. This is entirely a personal preference, another person may love having all the numbers.
Still I would recommend this book for a hockey fan, or someone interested in a cool slice of Canadiana.
My complaints with this book are mainly do to writing style. Robson has engaging writing, but he relies a lot on statistics which I found pulled me out of the narrative. This is entirely a personal preference, another person may love having all the numbers.
Still I would recommend this book for a hockey fan, or someone interested in a cool slice of Canadiana.
May 3, 2020
A fantastic book. I enjoyed reading about Johnny in his legendary life.
I had the pleasure of meeting him at Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
I have a picture with him that I cherish.
I read the Terry Sawchuk book years ago, and now I am happy that read this one.
Explains about Johnny's younger days and earlier hockey years.
A stellar book about a stellar goalie.
A true legend and nice man.
He was one of a kind.
I had the pleasure of meeting him at Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
I have a picture with him that I cherish.
I read the Terry Sawchuk book years ago, and now I am happy that read this one.
Explains about Johnny's younger days and earlier hockey years.
A stellar book about a stellar goalie.
A true legend and nice man.
He was one of a kind.
May 3, 2021
This is by far the best hockey book I have read so far. The story of Johnny bower is one of mystery and just flat out inspiration. I did not know alot about this man's story so I could simply not put this book down. From having a whole seperate minor league career to winning Stanley cups in his 40s, I can't say enough about this book. Truly remarkable
November 14, 2021
Great book. It's about an amazing and interesting person who for half his professional life was in the AHL and at an age when most professionals retire he started his NHL career playing long into his 40s.
March 18, 2024
Give a very in-depth look into growing up during the depression and being called to war, and how always follow your dreams. Doesn't focus on the professional sports accolades that have been well reported, for uses a lot on the behind the scenes and growing up
October 25, 2019
A wonderful biography describing the kind of man Mr. Bower was off the ice, as well as on it.
July 30, 2020
Great read about a hockey legend.
August 16, 2019
A fond, nostalgia-tinged biography.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews