Sunnybrook veterans pub renamed to honour late Leafs legend Johnny Bower

As a tribute to the late Johnny Bower’s dedication to Sunnybrook Veterans, the Veterans Program gave its pub a new name today, with the help of many friends.

The Johnny Bower Arms Pub sign, beautifully engraved in a traditional wood crest, was presented to Nancy Bower, wife of the late Johnny Bower, and will be proudly displayed at the pub’s entrance.

The naming was made in honour of the Toronto Maple Leafs legend who made many visits with the Veterans residing at Sunnybrook over the years.

Members of the Bower Family, Toronto Maple Leafs’ alumni, National Hockey League alumni, sports journalist Scott Morrison, and a special emcee – no other than “The Voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs” Joe Bowen, shared stories and chatted with Veterans and others in the hockey and Veterans communities. A ceremonial montage of Johnny and the Veterans played, courtesy of hockey historian Paul Patskou.

Previously known as The Blythwood Social Club, the pub is supported by the Fort York Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and is for the exclusive use of Sunnybrook Veteran residents and their invited guests, providing them with the comforts of home where they can go to relax, watch a game, or chat over a drink.

Sunnybrook officially opened its doors to care for Canada’s war Veterans in June 1948. Although Sunnybrook has grown in size and scope, the care of war heroes remains a priority and to this day the hospital remains the largest Veterans care facility in the country.