After 44 memorable seasons as the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Joe Bowen is set to retire next month. Bowen's career has been a tapestry of unforgettable moments, legendary players, and iconic arenas, all of which he brought to life for fans through radio and TV.
As Bowen wraps up his Hall of Fame career, there's a special nod to his colorful history with the Leafs' rivals, including the Boston Bruins. Tuesday marks his final broadcast of a Toronto-Boston game, a matchup that's been a rollercoaster of emotions for Bowen, filled with both hilarity and heartbreak.
Boston has been a city of mixed fortunes for the Leafs, with four playoff dreams dashed in Game 7s at the Bruins' storied home. Bowen's own career nearly took a twist in Boston Garden, a venue that opened its doors in 1928 and was already a relic by the time Bowen started calling games in 1982.
Reflecting on those days, Bowen recalls the unique setup at the Garden, where broadcasters were positioned precariously below seat level. "I can't count how many beers ended up on my head after a Leafs goal I called with a bit too much enthusiasm," Bowen reminisced. "Once, I looked up to see a rather large fan, and I had a feeling it wasn't an accident."
In the 1980s, the Leafs were part of the Western Conference, making trips to Boston infrequent but eventful. One particular game in the 1986-87 season stands out.
The Leafs, struggling that year, took an early lead only to collapse and lose 8-5 to the Bruins. During a commercial break, Bowen and his partner Bill Watters expressed their frustration at the performance of an all-Czechoslovakian line, including Peter Ihnacak and the Frycer brothers.
However, their candid remarks were accidentally broadcast due to a technical oversight. The engineer in Boston was distracted, and the network station's engineer in Orillia had left his post, leaving their mics live. Watters made a blunt comment about the players, which Bowen inadvertently agreed with.
Back at their hotel, the duo found their phones flashing with messages. Rick Curran, Watters' agency partner, had heard the broadcast and immediately called to warn them of potential repercussions.
Expecting the worst, Bowen and Watters braced for fallout, yet surprisingly, nothing happened. They returned to Toronto and continued their work without incident.
Bowen's career has been as resilient as it is storied, and his voice will be missed by fans who have come to regard him as the quintessential Maple Leafs storyteller.