Maple Leafs Legend Joe Bowen Announces Retirement Plans

Legendary Leafs announcer Joe Bowen is coming back next season, but that will be it afterward, as he announced he will retire at the conclusion of the campaign.

Veteran Toronto Maple Leafs play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen will be behind the microphone for his final season in 2025-26.

The 74-year-old broadcaster, renowned for his catch phrase ‘Holy Mackinaw!’, confirmed that next season will be his final one behind the microphone.

‘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 3800 games some time 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 know as Leaf Nation, for allowing me to invade your vehicle, family room and hearts over these wonderful years! Your support, and interaction has been what has 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!!!’ 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!’