"As his dad told it, Bowen said, Joe was a fussing newborn when he first heard what would become his catch phrase. He said his father was holding him, trying to calm him down, as Foster Hewitt's voice came over the airwaves to announce Toronto's Bill Barilko had just scored to win the Stanley Cup. That's when his dad yelled out. Holy Mackinaw! His dad would go on to repeat it regularly, Bowen said, when they'd watch the Leafs together"
"Bowen, 74, is now in his 44th and final season as the Leafs' radio commentator, a job he landed in 1982, when some of the players still went without helmets and Toronto's cup drought was in its adolescence. Since then, he has broadcast nearly 4,000 games calling the names of over 700 Maple Leafs, by his own estimation. But this summer, he decided this season would be his last."
Joe Bowen is 74 and in his 44th and final season as the Toronto Maple Leafs radio commentator. He began with the team in 1982. Bowen has broadcast nearly 4,000 games and has called the names of over 700 Maple Leafs. His signature exclamation "Holy Mackinaw!" originated from his father's reaction to Bill Barilko's Cup-winning goal and was later used for spectacular plays, especially saves by goaltender Johnny Bower. The Maple Leafs will honor Bowen with a tribute night when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Arena. Bowen hopes for a deep playoff run before retiring.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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