Maple Leafs honor Bower on 90th birthday

TORONTO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs honored Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Johnny Bower, who turned 90 on Saturday, at a stoppage in play during the first period of their game against the New York Rangers. Bower was presented with a framed and autographed crest from each team, and the sellout crowd serenaded him with "Happy Birthday."

Bower served with the Canadian Army during World War II; he was stationed in England from 1940-43. He played parts of three seasons with the Rangers in the mid-1950s, then became a star with the Maple Leafs in the '60s, helping Toronto win the Stanley Cup four times.

The Maple Leafs honored eight war veterans prior to the start of the annual Remembrance Day game. There was a reading of "In Flanders Fields" by Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Jim Wilson and Sgt. James Dewar played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes.