Key Figure Officially Set to Retire Following Maple Leafs 2025-26 Season

Joe Bowen, the iconic voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has officially announced that he will retire after the 2025-26 season, bringing an end to an extraordinary broadcasting career that has spanned more than four decades.

Bowen first took the microphone as the Maple Leafs' radio announcer on October 6, 1982. Since then, he has been a constant presence in the lives of Leafs fans, narrating the team's highs, lows, and everything in between. Through eras defined by legends like Borje Salming, Mats Sundin and now Auston Matthews, Bowen's play-by-play has provided some of the greatest moments for Leafs Nation.

Known affectionately as "The Voice of the Leafs," Bowen has called thousands of games, including some of the most unforgettable moments in franchise history. His enthusiastic and passionate delivery made him more than just a broadcaster; he became a part of the Maple Leafs experience itself.

This past June, Bowen confirmed via social media that the 2025-26 season will be his last, marking the conclusion of a 43-year run behind the mic. His retirement will close a remarkable chapter in Maple Leafs history, leaving behind a truly monumental legacy.

For fans, Bowen's departure will be bittersweet. His voice has become synonymous with Toronto hockey - a steady presence through decades of change and countless storylines. While the team and its supporters look forward to the future, the absence of Bowen's iconic calls will be deeply felt across the hockey world.

An era is ending, and Joe Bowen will be remembered not just as a broadcaster, but as a legend who connected Leafs Nation across generations.