Latest news with #Sudburians
Ottawa Citizen
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Joe Bowen reflects on legendary career, looks forward to final season
Article content When Joe Bowen turns off his microphone for good, it'll end one of the most celebrated sports broadcasting careers in Canadian history. The Sudbury-born legend, who turned 74 in April, recently announced that next season will be his last as the radio voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Article content An icon in the industry, Bowen is not only the best-known play-by-play announcer in Wolves history, but also a proud Nickel City native. Article content Article content 'I'm bread and butter from Sudbury,' said Bowen with pride recently, while juggling a phone interview and dinner from a bar in Harrisburg, Penn. 'My dad was a general surgeon, worked for INCO and delivered 3,000 Sudburians so a lot of your readers, if it's not their parents, it's maybe their grandparents were delivered by my dad.' Article content Article content While his big break with the Leafs came in 1982, Bowen's first play-by-play calls were courtside for the University of Windsor's basketball team in the early 1970s, while he was pursuing a degree in communication arts. After graduating, he returned to the Nickel City to cut his teeth in the broadcast industry, thanks to support from CKSO owner Bill Plante, who was a longtime friend of Joe Sr. Article content 'My dad died when I was just coming into high school, so Mr. Plante was a very big influence on my career,' Bowen recalled of his early days behind a microphone in Sudbury in the mid- to late '70s, at a time when the Wolves had some highly competitive teams. 'He gave me the opportunity to start (in radio) and do the games with the Wolves, and we had some pretty good runs. Article content Article content 'Didn't win it, but we were as close as damn is to swearing at times.' Article content Interestingly enough, swearing, or a lack of it, is what gave Bowen his signature catchphrase as a broadcaster. His now-famous 'Holy Mackinaw' saying, to describe big moments in games like only Bowen can, was borrowed from his dad, who used it in place of swear words. Article content Joe's final Holy Mackinaw on air will come next spring — hopefully, a little later than usual. Article content 'I've been at it for 44 years almost, so it's probably about time,' Bowen said with a chuckle regarding his retirement announcement. 'It's not the same as it used to be, there are lots of changes in the industry and I just felt it's time, and we'll step aside and have one more kick at the cat. Article content How amazing would that be? A Stanley Cup victory in Joe Bowen's final season would be something to behold, which isn't lost on current Sudbury Wolves play-by-play announcer David Bowen, who left the crease in 2022 to take the same steep climb up to the press box at Sudbury Community Arena that his dad had done many years earlier.
Hamilton Spectator
17-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Toastmasters reaches out to Sudbury's newcomers
Celebrating more than 100 years, Toastmasters 'has been inspiring people to confidently communicate through regular practice and evaluation in fun and supportive clubs around the globe.' Sudbury has four clubs, including two French-language groups. Dr. Richard Denton insisted I come and talk with the participants at the Parkside Centre, which includes many Sudburians. The city has welcomed thousands of newcomers in recent years and for many, English or French is not their first language. Ignace Louisjean originates from Haiti: 'I want to become more proficient in English,' she said. 'It helps in my work and in my integration into Sudbury. I would encourage anyone to come to Toastmasters. I come every week. It is a commitment to my future.' 'Thanks to Toastmasters,' Navneet Kaur reflected, 'I feel I belong to a supportive community. I have more self-confidence and (have) seen personal growth.' Does it help in her workplace? 'I would say absolutely yes. I will continue next year and even recruit people to join. I've been here in Canada now two years. This would help all immigrants. If this is not your native language, there is so much to learn.' The idioms are particularly interesting to Kaur. 'I had to learn that a raincheck has really nothing to do with a wet day. I have the words, but even the decorations and meanings can be very odd. 'Saying that something doesn't have much meat or potatoes on the plate really has nothing to do with dinner. I learned about raining cats and dogs from my driving instructor.' Suzanne Rondeau, Area N13 director and long-time grade school teacher, has been involved for years. 'Use your voice with confidence and you have credibility,' she said. During her career, she felt leading a Junior Kindergarten class was important since this is where language skills were built, 'including speaking and communicating well. 'Here, the clubs are so welcoming. This would be so helpful for new Canadians to join. Toastmasters helps you find your wings. You might even learn to soar like an eagle. 'English idiomatic expressions are difficult. This is the best place to learn and practise. Today is like an annual wrap-up event. We have not done this for some years. Not just because of COVID. The suggestion was that we needed an in-person, face-to-face celebration. We even have two guests from North Bay.' Sandi Emdin belongs to the lunchtime noon-hour Toastmasters. Well, actually, she founded this chapter. 'Now we have members from a variety of countries from around the world,' Emdin said. 'It used to be very local, but now it is global. This is an excellent platform for people who have just come to Canada. 'We only had Sudbury members until the pandemic. Now that we are online, we have a variety of people and places.' Go to for more details on the organization. Follow the banner links to 'find a club' and type in Sudbury. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government. Bluesky: @ X: @SudburyStar Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
