Johnny Bower, born as John Kishkan, in essence had two outstanding hockey careers: One "riding the bus" in the minor pro leagues for 13 years, and a second enjoying 11 full NHL seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bower and author Bob Duff tell the amazing story (and many more!) in the book The China Wall: The Timeless Legend of Johnny Bower Buy The Book: Amazon.ca - Chapters - Amazon.com But before his hockey career had begun, Johnny almost lost his life and/or freedom in Europe due to World War II. At 15 he lied about his age in order to fight for his country. Johnny was supposed to be a part of the 1942 invasion of Normandy at the port of Dieppe. The 6000 man mission was simply disastrous as about 3400 men lost their lives or were seriously wounded and most of the rest were taken prisoner. "I'd been all set to go but a day or two before the raid, nine fellas in my company, including myself, got so sick with a respiratory infection, they had to take use ...