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Maple Leafs’ Max Domi, Scott Laughton reflect on their favourite Joe Bowen moments
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Photo credit: @HockeyHallFame/X
Michael Mazzei
Dec 16, 2025, 12:00 ESTUpdated: Dec 16, 2025, 11:56 EST
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to honour long-time play-by-play commentator Joe Bowen during Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, the same opponent on the night of his first game called on October 6, 1982.
Bowen is set to retire at the end of the 2025-26 season, and the team has had plenty of moments to pay homage to the man who coined the phrase ‘Holy Mackinaw.’ The upcoming contest against the Blackhawks will be their big celebration of his career, which has lasted over four decades to this point and will recount all of his most memorable calls.
“I  think his calls for everything are unreal and epic, right? Certainly some of those fights, for sure,” forward Max Domi said to reporters after the morning skate. “ I remember the one goal that Mats [Sundin] scored that probably stands out would be the Flames goal for 500. I think he had a hat trick that night if I remember correct. Clapper, overtime winner. That one was pretty cool.”
As far as moments in the regular season in recent memory are concerned, that is one that many Leafs fans remember fondly. Not simply because Sundin reached a major milestone with the overtime winner, but the call Bowen made to amplify the moment as seen above.
While that play could easily be a Leafs fan’s favourite call, Domi had a hard time settling on just one.
“Also, when Mats scored against Carolina,” he said. “ I think the roof almost blew off this place. It’s probably the loudest the building has been. That one right there gives me goosebumps watching it every time still.”
The call in question was this play above when Sundin tied Game Six of the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals with the Leafs’ season on the line. That pop from the crowd Domi was referencing was the jubilation of fans knowing that their team still had a shot to make the Cup final, though it ultimately resulted in the Leafs losing that overtime. It’s worth noting that this was the last time the Leafs were in the third round of the playoffs, so it holds extra weight given how much time has passed since.
Meanwhile, forward Scott Lauhgton didn’t have a specific Bowen call in mind but more so fond memories with his dad as he worked his way towards the NHL.
“ We used to practice at Pine Point Arena right off the 401 there, and we practiced Saturday night,” he said. “ Me and my dad would stop at Harvey’s after, grab a burger, and listen to the rest of the game with him on the call.  Those are memories that I really remember and remember them fondly with my dad in the car.  It’s special getting to know [Bowen] and hearing him and just seeing them around all the time.”
We want to hear from you: What is your favourite call from Joe Bowen?

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