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Morgan Rielly calls Joe Bowen a ‘great human being’, speaks about retiring broadcaster’s impact on Maple Leafs
Photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Dec 16, 2025, 10:50 ESTUpdated: Dec 16, 2025, 10:45 EST
A career with the Toronto Maple Leafs that started on October 6, 1982 is in its final season and tonight at Scotiabank Arena, when the Leafs host the Chicago Blackhawks, a voice known to many will be honoured.
Joe Bowen called his first game for the Leafs at Chicago Stadium, making it fitting that the team will celebrate his career when the Blackhawks are in town to square off with the Leafs. Bowen has a special place in the heart of Leaf fans and players, having called the team’s games for 43 years. Speaking to the media at the Leafs morning skate, Morgan Rielly spoke on the impact Bowen has brought to the team over all these years.
“I didn’t understand the effect that he’s had prior to being here, but it didn’t take long once I got here,” Rielly said. “The amount of respect people have for him around here is pretty obvious and he deserves that.”
It’s not just the play-by-play portion of the job that makes Bowen truly special, it’s the personality he has brought to a team and a city and Rielly stated just how important it was.
“I think the impact he’s had on the organization and people that have been here is big,” Rielly said when speaking about Bowen. “He’s just a really special guy.”
Rielly is the longest-tenured member of the Maple Leafs, making his debut in 2013-14, and he’s seen five different head coaches, four different general managers, and a revolving door of teammates going in and out around him. The one constant in that time was Bowen, who remained on the mic from the day Rielly made his debut to the present.
“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, “Rielly said. “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.”
Outside of his calls, Rielly kept returning to the person that Bowen is, really showcasing how the veteran play-by-play announcer is more than just a voice in Toronto, he is a person that many were lucky to get to know and listen to.
“A great career and great human being,” Reilly said.
The Leafs and Blackhawks are set to honour Bowen tonight with puck drop set for 7 p.m. EST.
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