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Global News
a day ago
- Sport
- Global News
Longtime Maple Leafs voice Bowen to retire
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook TORONTO – Longtime Toronto Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen is calling it a career after the 2025-26 NHL season. The 74-year-old from Sudbury, Ont., made the announcement on social media Friday. Bowen has handled radio play-by-play duties for the Leafs for more than 40 years and is famous for his booming voice, enthusiasm and catchphrase 'Holy Mackinaw!' Story continues below advertisement He was also honoured by the Hockey Hall of Fame with the Foster Merritt Memorial Award in 2018 for outstanding contributions by a hockey broadcaster. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy In his announcement, Bowen thanked fans for their support and expressed appreciation for broadcast partners Harry Neale and Jim Ralph, whom he called 'the best' after 28 years together. 'I have been totally blessed to be able to do 'My Dream Job' for this long, eclipsing the career of my idol Foster Hewitt. I will reach 3800 games some time this season,' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.
Global News
a day ago
- Sport
- Global News
‘Holy Mackinaw!': Maple Leafs announcer says next season will be his last
After next season, Toronto Maple Leafs fans will have to adjust their ears to a new voice as they sit on the couch and watch the boys in blue and white chase hockey glory. That is because legendary play-by-play man Joe Bowen announced Friday that next season would be his swansong. 'After 44 years of being the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, I have decided that the 2025-36 season will be my last behind the microphone,' the 74-year-old said in a goodbye letter posted to social media. 'I have been totally blessed to be able to do 'My Dream Job' for this long, eclipsing the career of my idol Foster Hewitt.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Bowen, whose trademark is 'Holy Mackinaw!,' will have called more than 3,800 games when all is said and done. Story continues below advertisement Bowen began calling games on the radio back in 1982, before going on to deliver play-by-play accounts on midweek TV games in 1997, at a time when the Maple Leafs were broadcast on Global TV's Toronto station. Bowen's letter went on to thank the two colour commentators he would most often share the booth with, along with fans of the team. 'I have worked with the absolute best at my side in the booth, Harry Neale for 12 seasons, but none better than my partner of 28 years, Jim Ralph,' he wrote. 'Most of all, thank you to the loyal group known as Leaf Nation, for allowing me to invade your vehicle, family room and hearts over these wonderful years. Your support and interaction has been what has made this 'job' so wonderful.' And of course, he ended the letter off with his hopes that the Stanley Cup would return to Toronto for the first time since 1967. 'I sincerely hope this will be the 'One Before I Am Done' season for the Leafs as they chase that elusive Cup,' he concluded.
