Toronto Maple Leafs play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen announced last Friday (June 13) that the 2025-26 NHL season will be his last at the radio booth. The 74-year-old from Sudbury, Ontario enjoys a long and outstanding career and is also known as the “Voice of Maple Leaf.”
He held his first call game for the Maple Leafs in 1982. He participated in the team’s regional television broadcasts between 1989-95 and 1998-2014, while appearing on the radio on the nationally televised hockey nights in Canadian games. After Rogers Communications gained national media rights to the Canadian NHL game, Bowen worked exclusively on the radio, separating his time at the TSN Radio 1050 and SportsNet Radio 590 The Fan The Fans.
The unforgettable style left a mark
Bowen’s passionate, unabashed delivery made him love his audience. His consciousness and humor set him apart, and his title, “Holy Mackinaw” has become synonymous with big dramas and big moments, which defines his career. His passion and passionate nature make him a fan favorite, whether he ventures at the stall or around the city.
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He is also known for mastering the dictionary, which includes the creative ways to announce goalkeepers before opening. He introduced the gemstones such as “the wizard weaving the whirlpool, the officer in the rectangular onion bag, the Lords in the strapping lounge, the benefactor of the braided bungalow, the benefactor of the tangled twine technician, the benefactor of the tangled numb technician and the protector of the pit”. Whether he announces a pivotal moment, having random conversations with color commentator partners Harry Neale and Jim Ralph, or occasionally bursting songs.
Achievements and achievements
He defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on March 7, 2017. He will be in the first 3,800 games during 2025-26 The campaign, surpassed his idol, Foster Hewitt. In 2018, the NHL Broadcasting Association selected Bowen as the winner of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award. Since 1984, the Hockey Hall of Fame has presented the award to members of the radio and television industry every year, who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and competitions in hockey broadcasts.
He requested a day off for the first time in 43 years on January 20 with the Tampa Bay Lightning to watch his Notre Dame fight with the Irishman in the College Football National Championship with Ohio State Buckeyes. That night, the Leafs won 5-3, but the Irish lost 34-23. Given the longevity of his career, he witnessed his highs and lows, which made the bittersweetness of the exercise a familiar environment. But he handled it all with a smile, and his unwavering support and passion for work will always be remembered.
Say goodbye to the tour hope
For Bowen and the fans, it was a disappointing event when he had to move to the broadcast permanently, but he found his home there. He brought vitality and vividness to the radio, and Ralph did not have any details when describing the drama. Once the shock disappeared, Bowen began to appreciate his new show, and his colorful personality made him very suitable. “We still have a very viable medium, and there are a lot of people traveling. As a hockey Mecca, there is a fan base coming and going from our game to watch their kids. There is no more traffic, only traffic jams. That’s where we hear feedback: ‘Hey, I’m listening to you, I’m listening to little Jami’s game back.” So, there’s still a lot of connection with the audience.”
There are a lot of fans syncing TV and radio at home, listening to Bowen calling the game. Still, having him go to TV at least once in the 2025-26 season is an appreciation and proper posture. Fan bases will certainly like to see the opportunity to see broadcasts that are more suitable for regional coverage than the national tendency that has become commonplace recently. Beyond that, his only hope is that “it will be ‘a season’ before I chase that elusive leaf season [Stanley] cup. “With a major change in the team’s roster, it’s not clear whether the upcoming sports will improve, but for general manager Brad Treliving, the mission will be challenged in an unidentified free agent class that will be held this summer.
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