Calgary mourns passing of legendary Flames radio voice Peter Maher at 79

By Liam Tremblay — 13 August 2026 — 3 min read

A voice that defined an era

Peter Maher, the long-serving radio voice of the Calgary Flames, passed away on Thursday at the age of 79. Maher’s career spanned 33 seasons with the Flames, during which he called nearly 3,000 games. His distinctive voice and signature phrases became a familiar part of the team’s broadcasts, bringing the excitement of Flames hockey into homes for generations of fans.

Maher began his tenure as the radio voice of the Calgary Flames in 1980, coinciding with the team’s first season in Calgary. He continued in this role until his retirement following the 2013-14 season. Over these decades, he covered significant moments in Flames history, including the 1989 Stanley Cup championship and the team’s run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final. His calls, enthusiasm, and trademark expressions such as “Yeah, baby!” and “You can put it in the win column!” became closely associated with Flames hockey.

Beyond his work with the Flames, Maher’s reputation led to other broadcasting opportunities. He called the 2005 IIHF World Championship, six NHL All-Star Games, and four Stanley Cup Finals. Notably, he also provided commentary for all of Canada‘s men’s hockey games at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, including the “Golden Goal.”

Legacy beyond the broadcast booth

Maher’s impact extended beyond his broadcasting duties. He was recognized for his character, embodying sincerity, integrity, dedication, and respect. These qualities were so central to his persona that an award was created in his honour upon his retirement 13 years ago. The Peter Maher Good Guy Award is presented annually to the Flames player who best exemplifies these virtues, chosen by the local media group.

His former colleagues frequently spoke of his kindness and lack of ego. Broadcaster Peter Loubardias, who worked with Maher for a year, described him as someone who was “just there to do his job, and be kind to everyone who crossed his path.” Mike Rogers, who spent 12 years working alongside Maher from 2000 to 2012, referred to him as a mentor and a great friend, emphasizing Maher’s passion for the game and his dedication to preparation.

Lanny McDonald, a former Flames player, noted Maher’s ability to tell the story of a game without criticism, often using subtle phrasing to convey his observations. Maher was also a prominent figure at charity events, where he garnered significant affection from fans. His first goal call for the Flames was on a goal scored by McDonald, and his last involved Johnny Gaudreau.

In 1996, Maher was inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame. He received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his outstanding work as an NHL broadcaster in 2006, leading to his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Following his retirement, the broadcast booth at the Scotiabank Saddledome was named the Peter Maher Radio Broadcast Booth in his honour during a ceremony on November 18, 2014.

Maher was a proud transplant to Alberta, originally hailing from Campbellton, N.B. His broadcasting career began early, as he announced lineups for the Campbellton softball league at the age of 14. He went on to broadcast for the International Hockey League and North Shore Hockey League before becoming the radio play-by-play announcer for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1977.

The Calgary Flames organization expressed deep regret and sadness at his passing, acknowledging his role in bringing Flames hockey to generations of fans and his legacy as a devoted member of the community. His warmth, generosity, and love for the game touched countless lives.

Maher called a total of 2,954 Flames games and 3,162 NHL games overall by the time he retired after the 2013-14 season.

Source: sportsnet.ca