Legendary Maple Leafs Broadcaster Joe Bowen Announces Retirement After 44 Seasons
After an illustrious career spanning 44 seasons, Joe Bowen, the beloved voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs on radio and television, has announced his retirement this spring. The Hockey Hall of Famer's final season is being celebrated by Postmedia, which is delving into his extensive archive of stories about the Leafs, their opponents, and historic NHL arenas.
A Career Defined by Passion and Dedication
Bowen's journey with the Maple Leafs began decades ago, and his retirement marks the end of an era for fans who have grown accustomed to his distinctive play-by-play commentary. Throughout his career, he has witnessed the evolution of the team and the league, becoming a fixture in the lives of countless hockey enthusiasts.
As the Maple Leafs embark on their annual West Coast Canadian swing, with games in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, Bowen reflects on the unique experiences of broadcasting in these cities. He recalls how, during his early years, it was often difficult to distinguish between home and away fans due to the overwhelming presence of Leafs supporters in Western Canada.
Memories of Western Canada and Loyal Leafs Fans
Bowen fondly remembers three constants while working games in Western Canada: snow-capped mountains, unpredictable weather, and a sea of blue and white jerseys. "Every time you went there, the buildings were half-full with Toronto fans," he marveled. "The first time I went out there in January of 1983, I wondered how many were just displaced Torontonians and how many were Leafs fans from previous generations. It certainly made for a great atmosphere every night, and in Winnipeg, too, if it was part of the trip."
He attributes this enduring loyalty to the legacy of Foster Hewitt, whose radio broadcasts from Maple Leaf Gardens once made Toronto "Canada's team" west of Quebec. The Leafs' early Stanley Cup victories, including seven before the television era and four more before Western teams like Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary were established, helped cement this fanbase. Bowen himself grew up in Sudbury listening to Hewitt, which inspired his own broadcasting career.
Iconic Arenas and Unforgettable Moments
Bowen has called games in both old and new arenas across Western Canada, each with its own quirks and challenges:
- Calgary Stampede Corral: This early home of the Flames seated about 9,000 and featured unusually high boards. "The boards were so high you needed a step ladder to get over them," Bowen recalled. "If you jumped, you broke an ankle, so guys were all jamming through the door to get on and off. But it was a nice small rink where you could see everything."
- Saddledome: While an improvement, its press box required a nerve-wracking catwalk over the ice. Bowen, unbothered by heights due to his past work tarring roofs, noted that others, like Detroit's Ken Daniels, found it terrifying.
- Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton: Known for having the NHL's best ice before modern advancements, it was the stage for legends like Wayne Gretzky. Bowen joked, "I'd hope so, because all you had to do was open the door in the middle of July and it was perfect weather."
- Rogers Place: The new arena in Edmonton poses challenges for broadcasters. "We're so far away the game is a rumour," Bowen said, "one venue you certainly didn't mind calling it off of a TV monitor."
The Enduring Legacy of Leafs Fandom
Despite the rise of Western dynasties, such as the Oilers' five titles and the Flames' 1989 win, Bowen has observed younger fans in Leafs gear, born long after Toronto's glory years. "Hey, it's what parents do to their youngsters," he laughed. "I've brainwashed four of mine. I'm sure they'll do likewise to their kids." This intergenerational loyalty is evident in places like Vancouver's Regal Beagle, a Leafs-themed pub that hosts pre- and post-game parties during Toronto's visits.
As Bowen prepares to hang up his microphone, his career stands as a testament to the enduring passion of hockey fans and the rich history of the NHL. His stories and insights will continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring his legacy lives on in the hearts of Maple Leafs supporters across Canada and beyond.
