Legendary Toronto Maple Leafs announcer says he will retire soon

If the Toronto Maple Leafs are ever going to win the Stanley Cup with Joe Bowen on the call, they've only got one shot left to do so.

In a letter posted to his X account on Friday, the longtime Leafs play-by-play announcer Bowen announced that the 2025-26 season will be his last with the team.

"After 44 years of being the voice of your Toronto Maple Leafs, I have decided that the 2025-26 season will be my last behind the microphone," Bowen wrote. 

"I have been totally blessed to be able to do my dream job for this long, eclipsing the career of my idol, Foster Hewitt. I will reach over 3800 games sometime this season. Thanks so very much to all who have made this wonderful career possible. I sincerely hope that this will be the 'One Before I Am Done' Season for the Leafs as they chase that elusive Cup!"

Bowen made his debut as a play-by-play commentator for the Leafs in 1982. In recent seasons, he'd been taking things one year at a time, often being mum about his plans until late in the offseason.

Bowen, who has worked as a television announcer but currently calls the games on radio for both TSN and Sportsnet, also thanked his partners during his lengthy tenure, as well as Leafs fans, for their support.

"I have worked with the absolute best at my side in the booth, Harry Neale for 12 seasons, but none better than my partner of 28 years, Jim Ralph. Most of all, thank you to the loyal group known as Leaf Nation, for allowing me to invade your vehicle, family room and hearts over these wonderful years," Bowen added. 

"Your support and interaction have been what has made this 'job' so wonderful! You are the most loyal and demonstrative fans on the face of the earth!! I cannot THANK YOU enough!"