"Laughton: We used to practice at Pine Point arena right off the 401 there. We practiced on Saturday night, so my dad and I 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 I really remember. I remember them fondly, with my dad in the car."
"Lorentz: I can see it in my mind right now, driving home from the rink, and the exact route we'd take. You'd hear "Holy Makinaw!" and you'd get excited. Sometimes, you'd be dozing off in the back seat after maybe a trip home from a game on the road, but your ears would perk up right away, and Dad would tell you someone scored. They're definitely special memories I share with my dad. A lot of that is because of Joe."
"Lorentz: Honestly, it was an Instagram reel or something someone sent me. Normally, you'd hear the colour commentators on the highlights. When I heard Joe say it, it was a cool feeling. It is hard to describe or put into words. It is years of hard work to be able to get to this level, be able to represent the blue and white, and to hear him say the name just like that."
Maple Leafs players express gratitude for Joe Bowen's iconic play-by-play and the personal memories tied to his calls. Players recall riding home from rinks with their fathers, stopping for burgers after practices, and listening to Bowen's voice on the radio or TV, creating lasting family rituals. Bowen's signature exclamations like "Holy Makinaw!" triggered excitement and made game moments feel special. One player described the emotional impact of hearing his own name called on air as the culmination of years of hard work. The players value Bowen's presence, voice, and the connections those broadcasts fostered.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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