Joe BowenUWindsor grad Joe Bowen will receive an award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster, November 12 at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Alum a hall of fame hockey broadcaster

Broadcaster and UWindsor grad Joe Bowen (BA 1973), best known as “the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs” after a 36-year run calling the NHL team’s games, will enter the Hockey Hall of Fame at an induction ceremony November 12 in Toronto.

The NHL Broadcasters’ Association will confer on Bowen the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster. A plaque recognizing his achievement will be displayed by the Hockey Hall of Fame as a “media honouree” — a separate distinction from individuals inducted as members.

Named in honour of the late “Voice of Hockey” in Canada, the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award was first presented in 1984 in recognition of members of the radio and television industry who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and to the game of hockey.

In announcing the award, association president Chuck Kaiton noted that Bowen has described the action for more than 3,000 games to some of the world’s most dedicated hockey fans.

“Joe Bowen’s contagious enthusiasm in the booth has entertained Toronto Maple Leafs fans for decades,” Kaiton said. “The voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs is an extremely worthy recipient of the 2018 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.”

Bowen was inducted in the UWindsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. He received the George Gross Award as Sports Media Canada’s broadcaster of the year in 2013, and his hometown of Sudbury named him an ambassador for the city in 2002.