Johnny Bower (HHOF ’76)

John Bower had the most roundabout hockey career of any player, EVER.  Starting his career with eight seasons in the minors, Bower played the entire 1953-1954 season for the New York Rangers…and then spent another four years in the minors.  Redrafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1956, Bower wasn’t their starting goalie until 1959; by then, he was 33 years old.  He then spent 12 years as their starting goalie, earning four Stanley Cups (1962-1964, 1967) and two Vezina trophies (1961 and 1965 with Terry Sawchuk).  When Bower finally retired at 45 years old, he was the oldest goalie to ever play the game.

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