Joe Bowen's Final Call Marks End of an Era in Leafs-Canadiens Rivalry Broadcasts
As the Toronto Maple Leafs face what seems like a bleak outcome in their latest visit to Montreal, the departure of veteran broadcaster Joe Bowen from calling these iconic games signals a poignant moment in hockey history. Bowen, alongside his long-time analyst Jim Ralph, has long cherished the electrifying environment of Leafs-Habs clashes, particularly in Quebec's vibrant settings.
The Unforgettable Atmosphere of Montreal Games
"The atmosphere in Montreal, especially on a Saturday night, is simply unbelievable," Bowen remarked as he prepared for his final broadcast of the rivalry, albeit from a Toronto studio. He noted the significant presence of Leafs fans who traveled to Montreal, adding to the unique blend of language, culture, and historical tensions that fueled the competition. "There was no love lost between the teams, and the games were always fiercely competitive," he emphasized.
Bowen fondly recalled the privilege of broadcasting from the historic Forum before its closure in 1995, sharing the press box with legendary voices like Danny Gallivan and Dick Irvin Jr. "It was a dream come true," he said, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions of the sport.
Memorable Moments and Humorous Anecdotes
Jim Ralph, who attended Forum games in his youth during the Ken Dryden era, echoed Bowen's sentiments. "Regardless of the teams' standings, there was an undeniable buzz throughout the day in Montreal," Ralph shared. "It's always been a fantastic city to experience."
One standout memory involves a pre-game ceremony at the Bell Centre honoring Canadiens Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau and his wife Elise. As a banner was raised to commemorate their 61-year marriage, Ralph quipped, "Fifty years of marriage... well Joe, that's one banner they'll never raise for us," eliciting laughter from listeners and showcasing the duo's camaraderie.
Bowen praised Montreal's expertise in pre-game ceremonies, particularly the symbolic passing of the torch between team captains when the Forum closed. "They've always done it best," he noted, underscoring the emotional weight of these events.
From Rivalry to Respect: Bowen's Evolution
Raised as a Leafs fan in Sudbury, Bowen initially harbored strong dislike for Canadiens broadcaster Danny Gallivan, due to frequent TV coverage of Montreal games. However, a chance meeting at a sports dinner transformed his perspective. "Danny was incredibly kind and welcoming when I first worked at the Forum in 1982," Bowen recounted. "He remembered me, which was a real treat."
Bowen admired Gallivan's distinctive Irish accent and creative use of language, such as coining the term "cannonading drive." When challenged by a language expert, Gallivan famously retorted, "there is now!" This epitomized his innovative spirit, which Bowen came to respect deeply.
Favorite Trips and Historic Highlights
Among Bowen's cherished memories is a special passenger train journey in October 1991, celebrating the NHL's 75th season with an opening game at the Forum. The event featured crew and alumni in Roaring '20s attire, including 90-year-old Frankie Finnigan, whose handshake left a lasting impression. "His grip was incredibly strong," Bowen recalled with a smile.
Another memorable game occurred the following season when new Leafs coach Pat Burns, a Montreal native, faced his former team. Despite nearly squandering a four-goal lead, Toronto secured a 5-4 win, with players jubilantly mobbing Burns post-game. "Pat was beaming ear-to-ear," Bowen said, capturing the intense emotions of the rivalry.
As Bowen bids adieu to calling these historic matchups, his reflections underscore the enduring legacy of the Leafs-Canadiens rivalry, blending competition, culture, and camaraderie in the world of hockey broadcasting.
