Maple Leafs legend Johnny Bower dies at 93

Legendary goaltender Johnny Bower has died after a short battle with pneumonia, his grandson, John Bower, confirmed Tuesday night.

He was 93.

The Hall of Famer won four Stanley Cup championships with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1960s, and played 12 seasons with the organization after spending parts of three campaigns with the New York Rangers to begin his NHL career.

He won the Vezina Trophy as the league's top netminder twice, and also won three AHL championships, hoisting the Calder Cup with the Cleveland Barons all three times.

"There may not be a more loved Toronto Maple Leaf nor a former player who loved them as much back," Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said in a statement Tuesday night.

"Johnny was beloved by so many for much more than his Hall of Fame credentials as a player," Shanahan added. "It was his generosity of spirit, kindness and passion for people that made him a legend at life. The Toronto Maple Leafs, and our fans, are deeply indebted to Johnny for all that he gave to us, and taught us over the years. We will miss him dearly, but we know that his presence will forever be felt by our club and our city."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also offered his condolences.

"There is so much to appreciate in Johnny Bower's accomplishments on the ice - including the four Stanley Cups and membership in the Hockey Hall of Fame - and yet there was so much more to the man who served his sport, his country, and his community with such distinction," Bettman said in a statement issued by the NHL.

"Johnny Bower enriched us all by sharing the pure joy he felt for the game he played and for the men who played it, with him and against him," Bettman added.

"It was a personal privilege to know him, a delight to be in his presence and an honor to celebrate him as one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history. Johnny Bower was a bright light of our sport - a light that will shine forever. As the NHL family grieves his loss, we send heartfelt condolences and comfort to his wife, Nancy, his family and his countless friends inside and outside the game."

Bower ranks second in Leafs' franchise history in games played by a goaltender, and sits third on the club's all-time shutouts list.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976.

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