By Jill Sperling

P.A.-born goalie legend immortalized on Canadian stamp

Oct 8, 2015 | 11:58 AM

Hockey Hall of Famer Johnny Bower is one of six famous goalies pictured on Canada Post’s 2015 NHL Great Canadian Goalies stamps.

Bower, now 90 years old, was born and raised in Prince Albert, where he first started working towards his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.

“I started playing hockey when I was about 8 years old,” said Bower. “Of course, we didn’t have the equipment they have today or even half of it.

“I made a pair of goalie pads out of a T. Eaton’s catalogue if I remember right.”

Bower played junior hockey for the Prince Albert Blackhawks for a short stint in the 1940’s before spending years in the minor leagues.

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“It took me a long time,” said Bower. “I spent 13 years in the minors before I finally got a break for the National league.

“My dream finally came true.”

Bower played for both the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of the Leafs’ last Stanley Cup Championship Team.

As to be expected, The Toronto Maple Leafs remain Bower’s favourite team.

Bower said he was in tears when he found out he was going to be pictured on a Canadian stamp.

“I’m very honoured to accept this tribute from Canada Post,” he said. “You know, having my picture on the Canadian stamp is a very special privilege that I will always treasure.”

Bower, who is a grandfather and soon to be great-grandfather, said his family was excited to hear the news as well.

“Everybody (was) happy and thrilled when I told them what happened. I said, ‘Just buy Johnny Bower stamps now guys, that’s all you have to do.’”

Bower’s stamp is in the company of Canadian goalie greats Lorne ‘Gump’ Worsley of the Montreal Canadiens, Tony Esposito of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bernie Parent of the Philadelphia Flyers and Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils.

Bower and Worsley are the only goalies pictured without masks to show them the way the fans will remember.

Toronto is now home to Bower, but he still has a soft spot for his hometown of Prince Albert.

“No matter how old I am, I still miss it.”

Bower said the first chance he gets to make an appearance in Prince Albert, he wouldn’t hesitate.

jsperling@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jnsperling