Hear this story read aloud
Approximate length: 4 minutes
This voice translation of the article is created using artificial intelligence. Some mispronunciations may happen. We collaborate with our associates to regularly assess and enhance the audio output.
Peter Maher, who served as the iconic radio voice for the Calgary Flames for over three decades, has passed away at the age of 79.
His passing was shared on Thursday. He spent 33 straight seasons calling games for the Calgary Flames, having been brought on as the club’s radio play-by-play announcer back in 1980.
Throughout his legendary Hall of Fame career, which saw the franchise capture the Stanley Cup in 1989 and advance to the 2004 finals, his enthusiasm and trademark slogans such as “Yeah, baby!” and “You can put it in the win column!” became deeply woven into Calgary sports culture.
He stepped away from the microphone following the conclusion of the 2013-14 NHL season.
The Flames organization offered their deep sympathies to Maher’s loved ones, friends, and supporters on Thursday, highlighting how his commentary “grew to be the definitive soundtrack for Flames supporters.”
“Peter’s impact goes far past the walls of the press box,” the Flames said in a press release.
“He represented the Calgary Flames with immense pride, committed himself deeply to local community initiatives, and possessed a gentle nature, kindness, and devotion to hockey that left a lasting mark on so many people.”
The Calgary Flames celebrated the career of veteran announcer Peter Maher on Tuesday evening, with CBC reporter Devin Heroux on site for the event.
A native of Campbellton, New Brunswick, Maher previously broadcasted games for the Toronto Maple Leafs via the CKO Radio Network in his early professional years.
When the franchise relocated from Georgia to Alberta prior to the start of the 1980-81 season, Maher seized the chance to relocate westward and establish himself as the definitive announcer for the Flames.
During a 2018 conversation with CBC regarding his autobiography, If These Walls Could Talk — Stories from the Calgary Flames’ Ice, Locker Room, and Press Box, he reflected on his relocation to the city in 1980.
“It was absolutely the finest turn of events in my life. Everything that followed was a dream,” Maher recalled.
‘A monumental voice of Flames history has been lost’
Rob Kerr, a long-term colleague who shared the Saddledome press box with Maher for many seasons, expressed his deep sorrow upon learning of his colleague’s passing.
Kerr spoke highly of Maher’s immense dedication to broadcasting, pointing out that Maher felt a profound duty to the audience during an era when televised matches were scarce and the radio call served as the primary connection for fans.
“We have said goodbye to an extraordinary chronicler of this franchise’s journey,” said Kerr.
“Anyone who failed to appreciate Peter Maher’s talent did so to their own detriment, as he was a remarkably skilled commentator. He operated with a strong moral core, insisting that his reporting be rooted in sound journalism, accuracy, and genuine truth.”
Kerr recalled a specific instance of Maher’s meticulous nature during Calgary’s thrilling 2004 postseason push. When Martin Gélinas netted the overtime winner to knock out the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings, propelling the underdog team forward, Maher shouted “Yeah, baby!” three times in quick succession.
The energetic broadcast moment captured global attention, yet Kerr revealed that Maher fretted over whether his excitement was excessive. He was so concerned that he personally apologized the following morning to Darryl Sutter, who was serving as head coach and GM.
“Darryl merely laughed it off and reassured him that it was perfectly fine, expressing how much he enjoyed the call,” said Kerr.
“He never threw those signature catchphrases around carelessly; he held himself to a standard of broadcast duty that far exceeded my own and definitely surpasses what we see from commentators today.”
An Influence Beyond Calgary Hockey
Maher’s career featured assignments far beyond local broadcasts, including six NHL All-Star matchups, the IIHF World Championship in 2005, and the complete tournament run of Canada’s men’s hockey team at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, which famously ended with Sidney Crosby’s historic “Golden Goal.”
His outstanding achievements in sports broadcasting earned him the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006.
Following his retirement in 2014, the radio booth at the Scotiabank Saddledome was officially dedicated in his honor.
Furthermore, his name is attached to a yearly honor bestowed by local journalists upon the Flames player who most clearly reflects his personal qualities of sincerity, honesty, commitment, and mutual respect.
