Maple Leafs set to honor Joe Bowen in a celebration fans have been waiting for
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to have a grand celebration for play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen during Dec. 16th's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
News broke earlier this summer that legendary play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen would be retiring after over 40 years of being part of the Maple Leafs broadcasting team.
His iconic voice and bellows of 'Holy Mackinaw!' will live on forever even if he is stepping away from the booth.
But the Maple Leafs are making sure he goes out with a bang, and they're bringing out all the festivities.
Holy Mackinaw Night the perfect tribute to Joe Bowen
On Dec. 16th, the Maple Leafs will play the Chicago Blackhawks and the team announced they are going to coin the evening 'Holy Mackinaw Night' as a way to honor Bowen's legacy in Toronto.
The evening will be filled with various tributes and special one-night-only experiences during Bowen's commemorative event.
Per the Maple Leafs official release on the evening's events, there will be the following:
- Pre-game tributes and a ceremonial puck drop with Bowen and his family.
- Special in-game moments commemorating Bowen's 44 seasons with the team.
- Content celebrating Joe Bowen's career and legacy spanning 4 decades.
- Original content from Bowen himself, offering fans a behind-the-mic look into his final season at Scotiabank Arena.
- Bowen will also appear on Walk-in Talk with Ryan Leslie prior to the tribute game.
But it doesn't just stop at the tributes and ceremonies, as the team will have Bowen-themed food for fans to indulge in:
- Fans can enjoy Bowen-inspired food offerings at Scotiabank Arena, exclusively offered for this special game.
- Real Sports Bar & Grill's iconic Holy Mack N' Cheesenaw! will be making its way into the arena for a limited time.
- Bowen's signature Holy Mackinaw Rye and Gingers cocktail will be sold at all Quick Service Bars around the venue.
The team also announced that a portion of the proceeds from the limited time Bowen shirts being sold will be donated to SickKids.
The team encourages fans to follow them on social media platforms in order to know more about the event.
Joe Bowen's indelible legacy in Toronto
Bowen has stated previously that while he is sad he is retiring, he has built a legacy in Toronto and is thankful and grateful for the chance to be the voice of the team.
He seems absolutely gobsmacked by the outpouring of support and can't wait for Dec. 16th:
Over the many years I have become huge fans of a number of sports teams: the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the Toronto Argos and the Green Bay Packers, of which I am an Owner.
But there is only one team that I love, and that has always been the Toronto Maple Leafs. First as a fan and fortunately over the last 44 years as a broadcaster.
December 16's tribute will be as big a night as the arrival of my four sons and three grandchildren.
But there is only one team that I love, and that has always been the Toronto Maple Leafs. First as a fan and fortunately over the last 44 years as a broadcaster.
December 16's tribute will be as big a night as the arrival of my four sons and three grandchildren.
Calling over 3,000 games over his 40+ year career, Bowen has seen the highs and the lows of the Maple Leafs throughout his tenure, and while it hasn't culminated in a Stanley Cup (at least, not yet), he's been part of some of the most iconic moments in team history.
It wasn't lost on the Maple Leafs players either, as Max Domi stated that hearing Bowen call his goal is something that he could have only dreamt about as a kid:
To have his voice in the background, calling my name while playing for my childhood team and in the city I grew up in....that's special.
Bowen's legacy with Toronto is undeniable and he deserves all the celebration in the world. Let's just hope the team can seal the deal with a win and make it a truly memorable night.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13 | 970 ANSWERS Maple Leafs set to honor Joe Bowen in a celebration fans have been waiting for Do you think Joe Bowen is the best play-by-play announcer in NHL history? | ||
| Yes | 655 | 67.5 % |
| No | 315 | 32.5 % |
| List of polls | ||