Joe Bowen, the revered voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has announced his decision to retire from broadcasting at the conclusion of the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season.
The veteran play-by-play announcer shared the news on social media on Friday.
Bowen has been calling games for the Maple Leafs for over four decades, a tenure spanning a significant part of the team`s history.
Reflecting on his extensive career, the 74-year-old commented that he feels “totally blessed” to have pursued what he considers “My Dream Job” for such a lengthy period, even surpassing the career duration of his idol, Foster Hewitt. He anticipates reaching the milestone of over 3,800 games broadcast during the current season and expressed profound gratitude to everyone who helped make his remarkable career possible.
A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Bowen`s broadcasting journey began in his hometown, where he covered the OHL`s Sudbury Wolves and served as sports director for CKSO. Following a move to Halifax, where he announced games for the AHL`s Nova Scotia Voyageurs, Bowen made his Maple Leafs play-by-play debut in 1982, becoming the team`s dedicated radio voice the following year.
In addition to his prominent radio role, he also provided play-by-play commentary for regional television broadcasts of Maple Leafs games across two periods: from 1989 to 1995 and again from 1998 to 2014.
Bowen is instantly recognizable to fans for his distinctive booming voice, his enthusiastic and lively delivery during games, and his memorable signature catchphrase, “Holy Makinaw!”.
His significant impact on hockey broadcasting was formally recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018 when he was honoured with the prestigious Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.
In his announcement, Bowen also took the opportunity to express his deep appreciation for the unwavering support of the fans throughout his many years behind the microphone. He lauded them as “the most loyal and demonstrative fans on the face of the Earth” and conveyed his sincere hope that the 2025-26 season will be the one where the Maple Leafs finally capture the elusive Stanley Cup.
Tristan Blackwood