Joe Bowen's empty radio booth in Buffalo signals a definitive shift in the Maple Leafs' corporate culture
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The empty radio booth at KeyBank Center in Buffalo shows how much things have changed for Toronto Maple Leafs broadcasts, especially not sending longtime commentator Joe Bowen on the road.
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the divisional foe Buffalo Sabres last night, 3-2 in a shootout.
But as has been the case for a while now, legendary Maple Leafs announcer Joe Bowen, who is retiring after this year was not present in person to call the game.
Sportsnet has not been sending commentators on the road in recent years to call games, which did not sit well with analyst Mike Harrington.
Last period of a Sabres game coming for retiring #Leafs legend Joe Bowen. They don't send him on the road, which is an embarrassment foisted upon the public by Sportsnet and the club. The visiting booth sits quiet and empty tonight. That should not be the case. - Mike Harrington
Joe Bowen Has Been Calling Maple Leafs Road Games From A Studio
Like other Sportsnet commentators, Bowen has been calling road Maple Leafs games from a studio.
He recently said that if the Maple Leafs were to ever win the Stanley Cup on the road with him on the call, it would be disappointing to not get to do so in person.
After 40 years of doing Toronto Maple Leaf hockey games, if they finally get to the big prize, it's going to be very disappointing if we're stuck in a studio back at home when the trophy is paraded out. But we will do the best that we can under the circumstances. - Joe Bowen
Bowen has called Maple Leafs games since 1982, and also recently announced he would be retiring after this year, which unfortunately is likely going to end without the Maple Leafs in the playoffs.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Igor Chernyshov hospitalized after hit from Mike Matheson, confirming terrifying medical reality for San Jose
Igor Chernyshov hospitalized after hit from Mike Matheson, confirming terrifying medical reality for San Jose
Previously on House Of Hockey
| POLL | ||
MARS 15|230 ANSWERS Joe Bowen's empty radio booth in Buffalo signals a definitive shift in the Maple Leafs' corporate culture Is Joe Bowen the best Leafs broadcaster ever? | ||
| Yes | 146 | 63.5 % |
| No | 84 | 36.5 % |
| List of polls | ||