After decades of his boisterous voice being synonymous with the Toronto Maple Leafs, iconic broadcaster Joe Bowen has announced he plans to retire following the 2025-2026 NHL season.
In a social media post channelling another quintessential voice in Frank Sinatra, Bowen said he has been blessed to be able to do his dream job for over four decades.
“After 44 years of being the voice of your Toronto Maple Leafs, I have decided the 2025-26 season will be my last behind the microphone,” Bowen wrote.
“I will reach over 3,800 games some time this season. Thanks so very much for all who have made this wonderful career possible!”
Bowen, who is from Sudbury, is well known among the fanbase for his calls — especially his signature “Holy Mackinaw!” catchphrase.
Though likely best known for his radio work, Bowen also called games for regional TV broadcasts in the late 1980s into the 1990s, and then again in the late 90s until 2014.
The 74-year-old started working as a play-by-play voice for the Leafs in 1982, after starting his career covering the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League. He received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster back in 2018.
In his post, Bowen thanked all the fans who have tuned in to listen to him through the years — and planted the seeds for a storybook ending of his career, if the Leafs can manage to pull off a Stanley Cup win in his final season.
“Most of all, thank you to the loyal group [known] as Leaf Nation, for allowing me to invade your vehicle, family room and hearts over these wonderful years!” Bowen wrote. “Your support, and interaction has been what has made this ‘job’ so wonderful!”
“I sincerely hope this will be the ‘One Before I Am Done’ season for the Leafs as they chase that elusive cup.”
