It seemed that perhaps both Bowen and Ralph were making their final calls on the 12th of May when the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs but a new contract between Sportsnet, TSN, and Maple Leafs Sports Entertainment was always being worked out.
It took awhile to get things done but the 72-year-old Sudbury native will be returning for a record 42nd season - surpassing Foster Hewitt's previous record of 41.
The Hockey-Hall-of-Fame broadcaster made his debut back in 1982 ahead of the Leafs' season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks and has worked either through TV, radio, and/or Leafs-affiliated networks ever since. Ralph has been by his side for well over two decades now since he turned to broadcasting after injuries cut his NHL career short.
The duo will once again not be partaking in any road games as has been the case since COVID-19. The move was made to save money but they were given the opportunity to travel to Florida this past season for the playoffs.
POLL | ||
16 SEPTEMBRE | 242 ANSWERS Major announcement regarding an important return for the Leafs Should Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph be the Leafs' regular TV colour commentators? | ||
Absolutely | 216 | 89.3 % |
No, they're fine on the radio calls | 16 | 6.6 % |
I'm fine either way | 10 | 4.1 % |
List of polls |