Maple Leafs radio announcer Joe Bowen (left) and Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (right)

Photo credit: Hockey Patrol

Joe Bowen apologized to John Tavares for not celebrating his 500th goal properly, calling it a moment he’ll ‘treat right’ next time.Although the team came out with a 6-3 loss and kicking themselves after a poor effort against Columbus on Wednesday, one positive was the fact John Tavares scored goal #500.

Only a handful of legends have reached the illustrious milestone, though there was not much to celebrate, and what should have been a momentous occasion fizzled out into nothing but a mere consolation prize.

Joe Bowen Offers Apology To John Tavares After Muted Milestone Call

Someone who has called his fair share of Tavares’ goals is radio announcer Joe Bowen, who himself was less than enthused about the team’s efforts and didn’t really give the former captain his flowers.

Feeling guilty about everything, Bowen spoke to Leafs Morning Take and cleared things up, offering an apology to Tavares and promising to do better the next time he lights the lamp:

I’m embarrassed by it Nicky. You know, I hope John. When it’s 501 I hope it’s a big goal, an opening goal.

I will treat it properly. I did him a disservice and I apologize for that. We were upset we were disappointed, you saw it in the hand tap line after he scored; he just went and sat down. It should have been bigger.

While Bowen is certainly allowed to feel embarrassed, it was the entire Maple Leafs team who put in an embarrassing effort against Columbus, and knowing how passionate the play-by-play announcer is; this one stung.

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He wanted it to be special and let his emotions get the better of him, something he had happen as well speaking to Leafs Morning Take, mentioning that he wants the team to “win one for him before he goes” though he used a bit more colourful language.

There is no denying the legacy that Bowen has within the realm of the hockey world, and his echoing call of ‘Holy Mackinaw!’ will continue for generations even after he’s retired.

It’s a reminder that the passion the fans have for this team doesn’t just run through them, but every member of the organization.

But he feels like he should have been kinder to John Tavares, and for that he’s sorry. Though you can bet the next time that #91 buries the puck, you’ll hear an ecstatic call from Toronto’s most recognizable voice.

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Maple Leafs Announcer Joe Bowen Publicly Apologizes to John Tavares After Emotional Milestone Moment

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