A familiar voice from the Toronto Marlies is officially moving up to the Toronto Maple Leafs broadcast booth.
Longtime Marlies play-by-play personality Todd Crocker has been named the team’s new radio play-by-play host for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Crocker steps into the role following the retirement of legendary announcer Joe Bowen, who called Leafs games for 44 seasons before stepping down at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.
Crocker will join veteran colour commentator Jim Ralph, who returns for his 29th season.
He brings nearly two decades of play-by-play experience to the role – including 13 seasons with the Marlies and prior AHL (American Hockey League) experience with the Hamilton Bulldogs.
“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,” said Phil King, Chief Business Officer at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), in an announcement. “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.”
Crocker said stepping into a role previously held by a Toronto broadcasting icon is both a personal milestone and a surreal moment.
“I’m deeply honoured to take up the mic and add my voice to the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” said Crocker. “Like a lot of you, I grew up with Joe Bowen providing legendary comments that are etched in my memories. I just assumed, even as I called over a thousand Marlies games, that Joe would always be there. I’m excited to share with you my enthusiasm for our team and bring you close to the action this 2026-27 season.”
Crocker’s promotion also triggers a shift in the Marlies’ booth. David Bowen (Joe’s son) will take over primary play-by-play duties for the AHL affiliate for the majority of games this season, with Ben Shulman and Matt Cullen splitting responsibilities for the remainder.
“I’m also proud to leave Marlies fans in good hands with David Bowen and the next generation of talent,” Crocker added.
