Peter Maher, the iconic voice behind Calgary Flames radio broadcasts for over three decades, has passed away at the age of 79.
His death was confirmed on Thursday. Maher joined the Calgary Flames in 1980 as their play-by-play announcer for radio broadcasts and remained in that role for 33 consecutive seasons.
Throughout his illustrious career, which included the Flames’ Stanley Cup victory in 1989 and their appearance in the finals in 2004, Maher’s enthusiasm and trademark catchphrases like “Yeah, baby!” and “You can put it in the win column!” became synonymous with Flames fandom in Calgary.
Following the conclusion of the 2013-14 NHL season, Maher retired from broadcasting.
The Calgary Flames expressed their condolences to Maher’s loved ones and fans, acknowledging that his voice had become an integral part of the Flames fan experience.
In a press release, the Flames stated, “Peter’s legacy transcends the broadcast booth. He was a dedicated advocate for the Calgary Flames, an active member of the community, and a person whose warmth, kindness, and passion for the game impacted countless individuals.”
Hailing from Campbellton, New Brunswick, Maher previously provided play-by-play commentary for Toronto Maple Leafs games on the CKO Radio Network before relocating to Calgary in 1980 to become the official voice of the Flames.
In a 2018 interview with CBC about his memoir, If These Walls Could Talk — Stories from the Calgary Flames’ Ice, Locker Room, and Press Box, Maher reflected on his move to Calgary in 1980, stating, “That’s the best thing that ever happened. The rest is history.”
‘We’ve lost this huge storyteller of the history of the Flames’
Rob Kerr, who shared the press box with Maher at the Saddledome for years, expressed his devastation upon learning of Maher’s passing.
Kerr commended Maher for his dedication to his craft, emphasizing how seriously Maher took his role in connecting with Flames fans through radio broadcasts when televised games were less frequent.
“We’ve lost this huge storyteller of the history of the Flames,” Kerr remarked.
Reflecting on Maher’s professionalism, Kerr recounted an instance during the Flames’ 2004 journey to the Stanley Cup Finals when Maher passionately exclaimed “Yeah, baby!” three times after a crucial goal. Despite the attention the call received, Maher felt it may have been excessive and sought forgiveness from Flames management the next day.
“Darryl just chuckled and told him it was OK. He loved it,”
