Johnny Mowers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Johnny Mowers |
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| Born | October 29, 1916 Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | December 7, 1995 (aged 79) | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for | Detroit Red Wings | ||
| Playing career | 1941–1948 | ||
John Thomas "Mum" Mowers (October 29, 1916 – December 7, 1995) was a Canadian ice hockey goalie. He played for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1940 to 1947. In 1943, he won the Vezina Trophy. This award is given to the goalie who lets in the fewest goals in the NHL.
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Johnny Mowers' Hockey Journey
Johnny Mowers began his hockey journey with the Niagara Falls team in the OHA Senior A League. He was a very good amateur player. Later, he played for the Detroit Pontiacs and the Omaha Knights.
Joining the Detroit Red Wings
Mowers played really well for the Omaha Knights. He had a low "goals against average" (GAA) of 1.93. This means he didn't let many goals get past him. Because of his great play, the Detroit Red Wings signed him for the 1941 season.
The Red Wings' main goalie, Tiny Thompson, wasn't playing his best. So, Mowers got a chance to play instead. He was amazing in his first season! He almost won two big awards: the Vezina Trophy and the Calder Memorial Trophy. Only one other player, Frank Brimsek, has ever won both in the same year. Mowers lost the Calder Trophy to Johnny Quilty and the Vezina Trophy to Turk Broda that season.
Stanley Cup Finals and Victory
In the next season, Mowers' goals against average went up a bit. The Detroit Red Wings finished in 5th place. But Mowers played much better in the playoffs. He helped the Red Wings reach the Stanley Cup finals. They played against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Red Wings won the first three games of the finals. It looked like they would win the Stanley Cup easily! But the Maple Leafs made an incredible comeback. They won the next four games in a row. Mowers let in 19 goals during those four losses.
Even though they lost that final series, Mowers and the Red Wings came back strong. They won the Stanley Cup the next season! Mowers also won the Vezina Trophy for his excellent performance that year.
Later Career
In 1943, Johnny Mowers joined the army to serve his country during World War II. He did not play hockey again until 1947. When he returned, another goalie named Harry Lumley had taken his spot. Mowers played only two more games in 1948 for the Indianapolis Capitals before he retired from hockey.
Awards and Achievements
- Vezina Trophy Winner in 1943.
- Chosen for the NHL First All-Star Team in 1943.
- Stanley Cup Champion in 1943.
