Legendary NHL broadcaster sadly informs everyone his retirement
Photo credit: CBC
A legendary NHL broadcaster provided an update on his upcoming retirement.
Holy Mackinaw! The voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the past 44 years and 2018 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award winner Joe Bowen announced on social media that the 2025-26 season will be his last run.
"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 be able to do 'my dream job' for this long, eclipsing the career of my idol Foster Hewitt," Bowen posted to X on Friday morning.
"I will reach over 3,800 games sometime 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 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 your vehicle, family room, and hearts over these wonderful years! Your support and interaction have been what has made this 'job' so wonderful! You are the most loyal and demonstrative fans on the face of the earth!! I cannot THANK YOU enough!!!" Bowen added.
"I sincerely hope that this will be the 'One Before I Am Done' season for the Leafs as they chase that elusive Cup!"
"I will reach over 3,800 games sometime 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 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 your vehicle, family room, and hearts over these wonderful years! Your support and interaction have been what has made this 'job' so wonderful! You are the most loyal and demonstrative fans on the face of the earth!! I cannot THANK YOU enough!!!" Bowen added.
"I sincerely hope that this will be the 'One Before I Am Done' season for the Leafs as they chase that elusive Cup!"
Bowen first began calling Leafs games on the radio in 1982. Over the decades, he built a strong connection with fans, going through the same highs and lows. His enthusiastic delivery, unmistakable voice, and signature catchphrase turned every game into an event.
In recent years, Bowen has called games exclusively on the radio, partnering with TSN 1050 and Sportsnet's Fan 590. Since 2014, he's worked full-time alongside colour commentator Jim Ralph, a former pro goaltender. The pair has become a beloved fixture for listeners across Leafs Nation.
The Leafs have reached the playoffs nine straight seasons but have only advanced past the second round once since 2002. After 3,700 games and with one year left, Bowen hopes to end his career with a Stanley Cup in Toronto.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 65 ANSWERS Legendary NHL broadcaster sadly informs everyone his retirement Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will make a deep playoff run in Joe Bowen's final season? | ||
| Yes | 14 | 21.5 % |
| No | 51 | 78.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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