The China Wall: The Timeless Legend of Johnny Bower

by Johnny Bower, Bob Duff, Gordie Howe (Foreword)

A Toronto Maple Leaf for 12 seasons, Bower is an inspirational figure whose major league career began at age 33, when most players are approaching retirement. Determined to see his dream through to the end, Bower played his final game at age 45, becoming the first player in NHL history eligible to collect his pension while still on the active roster. This moving story charts Bower’s Depression-era childhood all the way through his retirement, and is a gift to hockey enthusiasts and Leafs fans alike.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Biography

221 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2009

Reviews

[Jeff]

Arguably Johnny Bower is the most popular player ever to don a Maple Leafs' uniform. And generally considered one of the nicest guys in hockey. When I read his biography last year, I was struck by what some have said that the stories of nice people don't always make for interesting reading. I found that to be not true of Bower's biography, and would say the same of his autobiography. What makes Bower's story especially compelling his is journey to the NHL. He grew up poor on the Prairies in the 20s and 30s, eventually finding his way into the AHL, a minor pro league, where he spent years playing primarily for the Cleveland Barons. In those days of the six team NHL where each team only had one mask-less goalie, it was difficult for goaltenders to break through and grab one of the six jobs available in the big time. Bower had a chance with one season with the New York Rangers in the mid-50s but soon found himself back in the minors. It wasn't until he was 33 years old, the age some players retire, that he found a place with the Maple Leafs, and was an integral part of championship teams until he was 45. After retiring he became a much-loved goodwill ambassador for the team. His story is an inspiring one of perseverance, of staying on top of one's game even when others have quit, of the love and support of family, and that nice guys can live interesting, and more importantly, impactful lives. From a writing standpoint, the book is quite good. A pretty standard sports autobiography. What makes it compelling is the subject.

[Chris Haughton]

This was a fun read. Im a hockey fan, specifically a Detroit Red Wings fan. The players from the original six era were the builders for what we have today. The style of the game was different, and the mindset was as well. They played tougher and more physical game while making less. Johnny Bower and Bob Duff have a book where it feels like you are having a conversation with Bower. The stories are filled with humor and optimism. Bower doesn't spin a single negative word about anyone, even Harold Ballard. The forward by Gordie Howe is beautiful. If you're a hockey fan and especially a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, then this is for you. On to the next one.

[Umair Sial]

Loved the content. Love the history of Johnny's journey. Love the Maple Leafs. However I felt this book was more of a conversation with someone rather than reading a book. Not that that's a bad thing.

You do learn things you don't read in books about the Leafs. One thing is the relationship he had with Punch Imlach. You always read negative things about Punch but he treated Johnny differently.

The pictures were too small and a lot were of no interest.

Overall, it's an ok book.

[Ben]

While the stories Johnny shares are interesting, his lack of experience as an author shows through. I will admit that this may be expecting too much from an elderly gentleman. Still, the book suffers as a result. It is not a terrible book by any stretch, but do not go into it expecting a well-fleshed out text.

[Rebecca Skelton]

An interesting read.
201 pages

[gazoo]

This book brought back a lot of great memories sitting in the Gardens with my dad as a youngster watching all the big names come and challenge the mighty Leafs. Johnny Bower towered over them all. To hear him humbly talk about his rise and all the players and coaches that got him there just makes you respect the man more. There are some sweet anecdotes of Johnny going up against the likes of Rocket Richard and Bobby Hull. And how little protection goalies had in the early days with the mask being considered a royal pain to adapt to. It was damn hard back then to make a living with little money from the league and any moment a youngster could skate away with your position. All the adults talked about his age and how could he possibly stay sharp. When you bleed blue and white and hold your stick like a sword it comes easy. And thanks to guys like Punch Imlach for recognizing that greatness.

[Martin Kelly]

Johnny Bower... without a doubt one of the greatest hockey players ever to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. As the goalie during their greatest era, he was one of the people who helped to take the team to its greatest heights and numerous Stanley Cup wins in the 60's, earning his nickname, "The China Wall".

This is his story, from humble beginnings as a child to a world-renowned Hockey Hall-Of-Famer. I have to admit to being a little biased towards this book, as Johnny is my all-time number one sporting hero. It is very well written though and anyone with an interest in Johnny's life and rise to hockey stardom will enjoy the ride. I certainly did!

As someone who has only migrated to hockey in the past decade (it's not as popular in the UK, where I originally came from) and a Leafs fan, I often wish I could have seen Johnny and that great team play, instead of the poor teams we've had for the past few seasons!

[Bruce]

Wonderful autobiography on one of the greatest goalies of all time.

[David]

Wonderful book about a wonderful man. My "hero". Great read for any hockey/goalie fan.