The hockey world mourns the loss of Peter Maher, the longtime voice of the Calgary Flames, who died this week at the age of 79. Colleagues, players and fans alike have taken to social media and broadcast tributes to celebrate a career that spanned more than three decades and touched countless moments on the ice.
A career that began in the early 1980s
Maher joined the Flames in 1980, immediately becoming the franchise’s play‑by‑play announcer. Over the next 30 years he called more than 3,100 consecutive NHL games, a record of never missing a broadcast assignment. His steady presence behind the microphone helped anchor the team through periods of triumph and rebuilding alike.
Iconic moments and unforgettable calls
He was the voice behind the Flames’ 1989 Stanley Cup championship and their dramatic run to the 2004 Cup Final. Fans still repeat his signature lines — “Yeah, baby!” and “You can put it in the win column!” — that turned every goal into a shared celebration. Across four Stanley Cup Finals, six All‑Star Games, the 2005 IIHF World Championship and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Maher’s commentary defined the emotional high points of international hockey.
Honors and lasting legacy
In 2006 the Hockey Hall of Fame inducted Maher with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, recognizing his contributions to broadcast excellence. The same year he entered the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, and the Flames commemorated his impact by naming the radio booth at Scotiabank Saddledome the Peter Maher Broadcast Booth. An annual award bearing his name now honors a Flames player who exemplifies integrity, dedication and respect.
The final chapter at the Saddledome
Maher retired in April 2014, choosing to step away early rather than linger. His final season coincided with the Flames’ last year at the Saddledome, a venue that will give way to the new arena, Scotia Place, slated for the 2027‑28 campaign. The organization has announced that funeral details will be released in the coming days, promising a public celebration of a man who was as much a part of the team’s identity as any player.