William Nylander Goes Viral With Spot-On Joe Bowen Impression

With the the news that Joe Bowen was retiring at the end of the 2025-26 season after 40-plus years of being behind the microphone, it's going to be weird not hearing the infamous Holy Mackinaw call for the future of the Maple Leafs.

But with his retirement is sure to come a lot of tributes, and homages to the legendary play by play announcer, and the newest one is equally heartwarming; and hilarious.

For William Nylander, if he wanted to pursue a life as an impressionist after hockey, he's certainly got a potential career.

The Maple Leafs were interviewing the Swedish forward when all of a sudden he pulled out one of the most accurate and downright scary impersonations of Bowen ever.

It was something that caught fans and everyone off guard, and shows just how iconic Bowen is to the fabric of the team, as he is so synonymous with the team that you're getting players learning how to mimic him.

Plus, you can really tell how Nylander went for it and almost knew that this was what he waiting to do for a long time.

One fan had a very good idea, that could end up extending Bowen's legacy even further, though would be a lot more intense:

Nylander's going to be expected to do a whole lot more than impersonate Leafs legends this season. Expected to be a huge factor in the team's offense, he is looking to put up his first career 50-goal season, and with Mitch Marner out of town; it's entirely possible.

Bowen's retirement however shouldn't be lost on fans. It's one of the technical 'low-points' of the season just simply due to Bowen's iconic legacy as someone who has been with the team through their highest of highs and absolute lowest of lows.

The hockey world isn't going to be the same without Joe Bowen behind the microphone as we continue on past the 2025-26 season.

One thing will remain though, and it's something that though we won't hear anymore, is still ringing loud in the Bowen household:

Holy Mackinaw!