"Holy Mackinaw" Longtime Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen to retire after next season

 

Joe Bowen to Retire Following the 2025–26 NHL Season

After more than four decades behind the microphone, Joe Bowen, the legendary voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 season.

Bowen shared the news Friday on social media, expressing gratitude for what he called a dream career.

"I have been totally blessed to be able to do 'my dream job' for this long, eclipsing the career of my idol Foster Hewitt," Bowen said. "I will reach over 3,800 games sometime this season. Thanks so very much to all who have made this wonderful career possible."

The 74-year-old from Sudbury, Ontario, began his broadcasting journey in his hometown, calling games for the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League and working as the sports director at CKSO. He later moved to Halifax to call games for the AHL’s Nova Scotia Voyageurs, before making his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs in 1982.

Since then, Bowen has become one of the most iconic voices in hockey, known for his booming delivery, energetic calls, and trademark exclamation, "Holy Mackinaw!" His play-by-play work has become synonymous with Leafs hockey for generations of fans.

In addition to radio broadcasts, Bowen also handled television play-by-play for Leafs regional broadcasts between 1989 and 1995, and again from 1998 to 2014.

His contributions to the game were formally recognized in 2018, when he received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

 

from the Hockey Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting.

As he prepares to close the book on a remarkable career, Bowen made a point to thank the fanbase that has supported him through the decades.

"You are the most loyal and demonstrative fans on the face of the Earth," he said. "I cannot thank you enough. I sincerely hope that this will be the 'one before I am done' season for the Leafs as they chase that elusive Cup."

Bowen’s final season promises to be emotional for fans and the organization alike, as they prepare to say goodbye to one of the most beloved voices in franchise history.

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