Longtime Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen to retire after next season

The longtime voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs will be hanging up the microphone at the end of next season.

Broadcaster Joe Bowen announced Friday on social media that he will retire after the 2025-26 season.

Bowen has handled play-by-play duties for the team for over 40 years.

“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 said. “I will reach over 3,800 games some time this season.

“Thanks so very much to all who have made this wonderful career possible.”

The 74-year-old from Sudbury, Ont., began his career in his hometown covering the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves and serving as sports director for CKSO. After moving to Halifax and announcing games for the AHL’s Nova Scotia Voyageurs, Bowen made his play-by-play debut with the Maple Leafs in 1982 and became the radio voice the following year.

He also handled play-by-play duties for regional TV broadcasts of the Maple Leafs from 1989-95 and again from 1998-2014.

Bowen is known for his booming voice, boisterous enthusiasm and signature “Holy Makinaw!” catchphrase.

The Hockey Hall of Fame honoured him with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2018.

Bowen also thanked the fans for their support over the decades.

“You are the most loyal and demonstrative fans on the face of the Earth,” he said. “I cannot 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.”