Jimmy Fowler

His name is Jimmy Fowler. They fantastically nicknamed him "The Blonde Bouncer," hinting at some sort of robust and flamboyant nature. But from what I have been told he was actually a rather quiet and docile guy. Friends dubbed him "Gentleman Jim."

Fowler was a versatile player with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1936 through 1939. Described as "a youthful rearguard" who also doubled as a utility forward at times, Fowler scored 18 goals and 47 points in 135 games. He added another 3 assists in 18 Stanley Cup playoff games.

After three seasons Fowler was starting to make a pretty good name for himself in the National Hockey League. He was a good skater with a good shot and strong passes. No one would have guessed he would retire before the 1940-41 season.

Fowler was part of one of the biggest trades in hockey history on May 18th, 1939. The Leafs traded Fowler, Busher Jackson, Murray Armstrong, Buzz Boll and Doc Romnes to the New York Americans all for superstar Sweeney Schriner.

Fowler had no interest in leaving Toronto. Rather than continue his career as a National Hockey League player, he simply retired. He began working as a saleseman for the paint company Glidden. He rose all the way to company president, retiring in 1976.

Fowler, who also trained pilots for the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, played a lot of golf in retirement. He split his retirement time between southern Ontario and Florida.

Jimmy Fowler died on October 17th, 1985 after complications with heart surgery.