The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired their new radio play-by-play host, naming Todd Crocker as Joe Bowen's successor after 44 years in the booth.
The Toronto Maple Leafs named Todd Crocker as their new radio play-by-play host for the 2026-27 season on Tuesday.
Crocker comes in as Joe Bowen's successor after Bowen officially retired at the end of last season. Bowen called Maple Leafs games for 44 years, many of which were alongside color commentator Jim Ralph. Going into his 29th season in the booth, Ralph will now be beside Crocker.
"I’m deeply honoured to take up the mic and add my voice to the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs," Crocker said in a statement. "Like a lot of you, I grew up with Joe Bowen providing legendary comments that are etched in my memories."
Crocker called games on the radio for the Toronto Marlies for over a decade, doing play-by-play in the AHL for the last 13 seasons.
"I just assumed, even as I called over a thousand Marlies games, that Joe would always be there," he said. "I’m excited to share with you my enthusiasm for our team and bring you close to the action this 2026-27 season."
David Bowen, Joe's son, will be joining the Marlies' broadcasting team and will be the play-by-play voice for the majority of the club's home games in 2026-27. Since 2022-23, he's been the voice of the OHL's Sudbury Wolves.
Ben Shulman and Matt Cullen will be in the booth for a selection of games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, rotating throughout the year.
"I’m also proud to leave Marlies fans in good hands with David Bowen and the next generation of talent," Crocker added.
"The Toronto Marlies have paved the way for many players’ path to the NHL over the years, but the program has also contributed to the development of hundreds of professionals off the ice, with Todd being the latest strong example of that,” chief business officer at MLSE, Phil King, said. "Todd has been an extremely valuable member of the organization for more than 13 years and we look forward to him making this role his own as the Maple Leafs take to the ice later this month for the 109th season in franchise history.”
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