Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen takes first day off in 43 years to watch National Championship

For the past 43 years, fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs have been accustomed to hearing longtime radio play-by-play man Joe Bowen on each and every Maple Leafs broadcast. But on Monday, Bowen’s allegiance to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team led to him asking for his first-ever day off to see his favorite team take part in their National Championship matchup against Ohio State.

Prior to Monday’s National Championship game and the Maple Leafs’ home matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bowen took to social media to inform his fans that he would not be on-air alongside Jim Ralph as originally anticipated.

In his post, he thanked Jeff MacDonald, the program director at TSN, for granting his rare day off request to watch the Notre Dame-Ohio State game.

“Many thanks to Jeff MacDonald and TSN 1050 Radio to allow me to spend a very special day with my family! In 43 years of doing this job, this is the first day off I have asked for,” wrote Bowen. “Go Irish!!!”

Many thanks to Jeff MacDonald and @TSN1050Radio to allow me to spend a very special day with my family! In 43 years of doing this job, this is the first day off I have asked for. Go Irish!!!

— Joe Bowen (@Bonsie1951) January 20, 2025

Bowen also thanked Todd Crocker for filling in for him in his absence.

Thanks to @ToddCrocker for filling in for me tonight. Going to enjoy a memorable evening with my boys cheering on the Fighting Irish !!!!@bowen_liam12 @Derek_Bowen19 @Bonsie24 @bonsie34

— Joe Bowen (@Bonsie1951) January 20, 2025

In total, Bowen has missed just nine Maple Leafs games throughout his 43-year tenure covering the team, all of which have been due to family emergencies or health except for Monday’s game.

This time around, Bowen was able to miss Monday’s game on his terms, which he certainly has earned given his lengthy track record of excellent work over the past four decades.

Luckily for Toronto fans, Bowen’s absence won’t be a long one, as he is expected to be right back to work for Wednesday’s home matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.