Toronto Maple Leafs play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen is feeling nothing but gratitude ahead of the franchise’s special Holy Mackinaw Night. Bowen recently reflected on what the night will mean to him, praising the Maple Leafs for recognizing his decades-long career.
Tonight, as the Maple Leafs host the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, the team will celebrate Bowen’s career. He is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 NHL season, and the organization plans to honor its long-time play-by-play voice.
During an appearance on The Game Plan, Bowen opened up about being honored with a special celebration. He noted that the Leafs scheduling the celebration for their game against the Blackhawks is full circle. His first game on the call was in Chicago in 1982, adding to the sentiment.
“[When I was informed], it was very gratifying, obviously. I wasn’t really sure what all was going to be entailed, but it seems to have really kind of snowballed a little bit. The decision as far as when it was going to be done is kind of unique,” Bowen said. “My very first game was in Chicago against the Blackhawks in 1982. So it’ll kind of be a full circle thing.”
Joe Bowen’s Family Involved in Maple Leafs’ Holy Mackinaw Night Celebration
Joe Bowen also revealed that his family will be involved in the Maple Leafs’ special Holy Mackinaw Night celebration. He already received a brief teaser for what to expect, and expressed his joy about what is planned.
The Leafs recently hosted a surprise interview on their YouTube channel with Bowen being interviewed by his son, Sean. His son currently works under the MLSE banner, making it a nice gesture for him to interview his father and one that that Leafs announcer felt was special.
“I don’t know what [the Leafs are] planning, I have no idea. My son Sean works for Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment and he has warned me that it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Bowen told The Game Plan. “And my two older boys will be with in the private box and watching over everything. So, yeah, it’ll be a very special moment.”
He continued:
“I’m going to have my three grandkids on the ice, I’m going to try and get them involved in the ceremonial puck drop if we can. And, it should be fun.”
Bowen’s Son Set to Call Maple Leafs vs. Blackhawks Game
Bowen also revealed that his youngest son, David, will call the Maple Leafs vs. Blackhawks game alongside Jim Ralph. The team is giving its long-time voice the night off, so he can fully take in the experience of Holy Mackinaw Night, while also giving his son an opportunity to call the radio broadcast.
Bowen’s son calling the game is another example of the celebration coming full circle, as he follows in his father’s footsteps in broadcasting. Speaking with The Game Plan, the Leafs announcer opened up about what that means to him.
“The other special part about [the game against the Blackhawks] is that I get the night off,” Bowen said. “My son David, my youngest son, is going to do the play-by-play and work with [Ralph] up in the booth and that’s very, very special to me as well.”
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