Maple Leafs Icon Joe Bowen Delivers Emotional Announcement
Photo credit: CBC Sports
Toronto Maple Leafs play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen announced the 2025-26 NHL season will be his last in his illustrious career.
For every Leaf fan over the last four decades, there's been one call synonymous with the team, all thanks to play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen. The cries of 'Holy Mackinaw!' after a big save or highlight reel goal sent chills down spines and gave thousands of fans countless memories.
He's been around the block a few times and has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows when it comes to the team. But his latest announcement is going to hurt a lot of fans, and will change how Leafs hockey is heard.
Joe Bowen retiring after 2025-26 season
Bowen announced in a letter that the 2025-26 NHL season will be his last in the booth, and after a legendary career he has decided to step away:
After 44 years of being the voice of your Toronto Maple Leafs, I have decided that the 2025-26 season will be my last behind the microphone. I have been totally blessed to do my 'dream job' for this long, eclipsing the career of my idol Foster Hewitt.
I will reach over some 3800 games this season. Thanks so very much to all who have made this wonderful career possible! Len Bramson and Telemedia Sports for giving a Sudbury native the chance of a lifetime and all who have followed at MLSE and various radio stations who allowed me to continue in this dream job.
I have worked in the booth with the absolute best at my side in the booth. Harry Neale, for 12 seasons, but none better than my partner of 28 years, Jim Ralph.
Most of all, thank you to the loyal group known as Leaf Nation, for allowing me to invade you vehicle, family room and hearts over these wonderful years! Your support and interaction has been what made this 'job' so wonderful! You are the most loyal and demonstrative fans on the face of the earth!!
I can not 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! - Joe Bowen
I will reach over some 3800 games this season. Thanks so very much to all who have made this wonderful career possible! Len Bramson and Telemedia Sports for giving a Sudbury native the chance of a lifetime and all who have followed at MLSE and various radio stations who allowed me to continue in this dream job.
I have worked in the booth with the absolute best at my side in the booth. Harry Neale, for 12 seasons, but none better than my partner of 28 years, Jim Ralph.
Most of all, thank you to the loyal group known as Leaf Nation, for allowing me to invade you vehicle, family room and hearts over these wonderful years! Your support and interaction has been what made this 'job' so wonderful! You are the most loyal and demonstrative fans on the face of the earth!!
I can not 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! - Joe Bowen
Joe Bowen's legendary status as part of the Maple Leafs
It's hard to state just how important Bowen was to the identity of the team, at least when it came to broadcasting. He was a part of the team since the early 80's, and became only the fifth play-by-play announcer replacing Ron Hewat.
When the Maple Leafs left the Gardens in the 2000s, they presented Bowen with a gold seat from the arena, a token of gratitude for his longstanding service.
But what he is most known for is the catchphrase 'Holy Mackinaw!', a mantra Bowen picked up from his father who would use it as an alternative to some more colorful language.
Bowen was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018, and given the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his outstanding achievements in broadcasting.
He has called other sports as well such as the NLL's Toronto Rock, and in 2017 he called his 3,000th game for the Maple Leafs. Bowen also missed his first game in 40 years to spend time with his family and watch Notre Dame vs. Ohio State in the NCAA Championship game (Bowen is a die-hard Fighting Irish fan).
While things won't be the same without Bowen in the booth, it's a well-deserved retirement, let's just hope Toronto sends him out on a high note.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 373 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Icon Joe Bowen Delivers Emotional Announcement Should Joe Bowen be considered the greatest NHL announcer of all-time? | ||
| Yes | 267 | 71.6 % |
| No | 106 | 28.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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