Ever the optimist, Joe Bowen counts down his days in the Leafs’ booth, proudly preparing to call his 3,800th game before he retires after this season. Known for his vibrant storytelling and infectious laughter, this beloved broadcaster has left an indelible mark on the world of hockey, becoming an integral part of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
A Remarkable Career in Broadcasting
Joe Bowen embarked on his broadcasting journey with the Maple Leafs on Oct. 6, 1982, at the old Chicago Stadium. The game against the Blackhawks ended in a 3-3 tie, marking the beginning of a love affair with the sport that has endured for over four decades. By March, he will have provided play-by-play commentary for Toronto for the 3,800th time, outlasting eight Canadian prime ministers, 16 Leafs head coaches, and 11 of the team’s general managers.
Leaving a Legacy
Bowen, now 74, is set to retire at the end of the 2025-26 season. Despite his advancing age, he remains an optimist, embracing each remaining game with enthusiasm. As he looks forward to the rest of the season, including the playoffs and the parade, he is confident and excited about the experiences that lay ahead.
An Emotional Farewell
The team will celebrate Bowen’s 43-plus years with the organization with a pregame tribute on Tuesday. He will take part in a ceremonial puck drop alongside his family, with videos featuring some of his greatest moments shown throughout the night. Although he is honoured and excited about the tribute, Bowen admits that he expects to be overwhelmed with emotion.
A Lifelong Love for Hockey
Before joining the Maple Leafs broadcast crew, Bowen spent seven years calling games for the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League and three years with the American Hockey League’s Nova Scotia Voyageurs. His passion for hockey is a family affair, with his son, David, currently doing play-by-play for the Wolves and set to fill in for his dad during Tuesday’s tribute.
The Origin of ‘Holy Mackinaw’
Bowen’s catchphrase, “Holy Mackinaw”, has become synonymous with his vibrant and energetic commentary style. The phrase was originally used by his father during exciting moments in Toronto games. Bowen recently discovered that the phrase was first used by Canadian actor Raymond Massey in the 1941 war movie, The 49th Parallel, but he is not sure if his father was inspired by this.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares to call his last Maple Leafs game, Bowen looks forward to spending time with his three grandchildren and indulging his love for history and travel. Although he is not much of a memorabilia collector, Bowen treasures a few pieces of artwork and photographs autographed by Johnny Bower, the great Toronto goalie, whom he holds in high regard.
A Loyal Leafs Fan
Bowen has been a Leafs fan since childhood, and he fondly remembers Toronto’s last Stanley Cup victory in 1967. Although the team has not repeated this feat in over five decades, Bowen remains an optimist, jokingly suggesting a T-shirt slogan that reads, “Win one before I’m feckin’ done.”
