Toronto Maple Leafs broadcasting icon Joe Bowen will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Windsor during the Spring 2026 Convocation ceremonies, the university announced in a release.

Bowen completed his final season, serving as the team’s play-by-play announcer from the 1982-83 season onwards. He was an essential part of the Maple Leafs’ culture, and was included in the team photo among the rest of the 2025-26 group.

The 75-year-old was honoured by the Maple Leafs on several occasions, including Holy Mackinaw Night against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 16. Bowen also received a tribute, and a standing ovation, including the press corps, during the Maple Leafs’ final home game against the Dallas Stars on April 13.

“He’s kind of one of those guys you never imagine not being there, he’s a voice that you always imagine being a soundtrack for this team, Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly, the team’s longest-tenured player, said of Bowen. “It’s always weird to think about, but he’s just a really special guy that’s had a great career and we’ve all been lucky to get to know him and hear his calls.”

“What’s been so overwhelming is people reaching out and sending just very quick texts or something. A lot of the former players have reached out, but a lot of their parents and dads as well,” Bowen said during an April 14 episode of Leafs Morning Take.

Bowen will receive the honorary degree on June 3. He is a Windsor alumnus, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1973.

It’s another tremendous honour for Bowen, who is one of the unmistakable voices of hockey. Bowen was previously named as the 2018 winner of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, granted by the Hockey Hall of Fame for outstanding broadcasting contributions to hockey. The Leafs’ broadcast certainly won’t be the same without Bowen, whose impact on the Leafs’ culture may be unquantifiable.

The Nation Network is your all-access pass to the playoffs. Shows, stats, fantasy insights, live social updates—if it’s happening, we’ve got it. Every goal, every hit, every moment—we break it down for you. One Network. Every moment. Tune in on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel!