Longtime Calgary Flames play-by-play broadcaster Peter Maher has passed away at the age of 79, the team announced Thursday afternoon.
“To so many people, Peter was the longtime voice of the Calgary Flames,” the team said in a statement released on social media. “To us, he was simply Dad.”
Maher was a staple on Flames radio broadcasts for over 30 years, first working with the organization in 1980, the team’s first season in Calgary since moving from Atlanta, until the 2013-14 season. The New Brunswick native was also on the mic for the team’s lone Stanley Cup championship in 1989 over the Montreal Canadiens and its dream run to the Cup Final in 2004, providing iconic catchphrases such as “Yeah, baby!” and “You can put it in the win column!” after Flames goals and victories.
The broadcaster worked at four Cup finals, six NHL All-Star Games, the 2005 IIHF World Championship and the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.
Maher was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006 after being awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his broadcast work. Maher was also inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
The broadcaster was honored by the Flames in retirement with the Peter Maher Radio Broadcast Booth at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames will play their final season at the arena before moving to Scotia Place in 2027-28.
“It’s better to leave what you do best too early than too late. And that statement has tremendous impact on what my decision is today,” Maher said the day he retired in April 2014. “I take pride in saying I’ve been blessed to not miss an NHL play-by-play assignment after over 3,100 games. For that, I’m forever grateful, and a big thanks to the trainers, doctors that got me through some tough sick moments.”
Maher was also honoured with the Peter Maher Award, given annually to the Flames player who best demonstrates sincerity, integrity, dedication and respect.
The Flames say they’ll soon announce more information about funeral arrangements.
