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P.A. hockey legend says goodbye to his friend Gordie Howe

Jun 10, 2016 | 1:07 PM

Prince Albert’s proudest export, hockey legend Johnny Bower reflects back today on one of his biggest rivals, but close friend, Gordie Howe. The four-time Stanley Cup Champion died today, June 10, at the age of 88.

“He was a pretty good hockey player, as I mentioned to a lot of people,” Bower said calling Howe “a big factor” playing for a little hockey club from Detroit.

While he may modestly speak of his friend’s accomplishments, Bower was keenly aware of Howe’s scoring prowess. The pair faced each other in their youth, long before they joined the Maple Leafs and Red Wings, respectively.

“I remember the first time in Prince Albert…when Gordie came (with Saskatoon)…for an exhibition game. I think if I remember right he scored seven goals against me,” Bower said.

By the time the pair made it to the pros, Bower knew, as goaltender, he needed to keep track of Howe on the ice at all times. He said Howe would actually warn him and said “Johnny, look out I’m behind you,” just to give his old friend a fighting chance.

But sometimes, Howe didn’t.

“One time we were playing in Detroit… it was around Christmas time he scored the first goal on me. He cut in front of the net and he says ‘Merry Christmas, John,’” Bower said with a laugh.

“I couldn’t believe it. I just said to myself, ‘Howe you rat,’” he said.

Bower still remembered, however, beating Detroit that night. He said he wanted to walk up to bench and wish Howe a ‘Happy New Year,’ but his friend was absent immediately following the game, which Bower suspects was to avoid his gloating.

While he remembered his on-ice time fondly, Bower said some of his best memories with Howe were the times the pair spent together at the lake.

“I had a coffee shop at Waskesiu Lake there for quite a while. Gordie used to come up there a lot and we used to go fishing together, too. And he loved his fish, and he loved fishing, oh my God,” Bower said. “He could eat a whole fish himself.”

Howe was described by Bower as a very dear, very close friend. A kind man who never refused an autograph to a fan.

“It’s a sad, sad, sad day, there’s no doubt about that, but time comes,” he said.

 

dreynolds@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @danitska