Peter Maher, Longtime Radio Voice of the Calgary Flames, Dies at 79
The Foster Hewitt Memorial Award recipient called more than 3,100 NHL games and gave voice to some of the most memorable moments in Calgary Flames history.
CALGARY, Alberta — Peter Maher, the longtime radio play-by-play voice of the Calgary Flames and one of Canadian hockey’s most recognized broadcasters, has died at age 79.
His death was reported on Thursday, August 13, 2026, prompting tributes from the Flames community and hockey broadcasters across Canada. A cause of death had not been publicly disclosed when this report was reviewed.
Maher served as the Flames’ radio play-by-play announcer from the franchise’s arrival in Calgary in 1980 until his retirement after the 2013–14 NHL season. He said at retirement that he had called more than 3,100 NHL games without missing a play-by-play assignment.
The soundtrack of Flames history
Maher was behind the microphone for several defining moments in team history, including Calgary’s run to the 1986 Stanley Cup Final, the franchise’s championship in 1989 and its return to the Final in 2004.
His calls became familiar to generations of listeners. Two phrases were especially associated with his broadcasts: “Yeah, baby!” after major moments and “You can put it in the win column!” after Flames victories.
A distinguished broadcasting career
Born in Campbellton, New Brunswick, Maher developed an interest in broadcasting at a young age. Before moving to Calgary, he called Toronto Maple Leafs games from 1977 to 1980.
Maher also handled hockey play-by-play duties for Sportsnet during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, including Canada’s men’s gold-medal victory over the United States.
In 2006, he received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, presented by the Hockey Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding contributions by a hockey broadcaster.
After Maher retired in 2014, the Flames named the radio broadcast booth at the Scotiabank Saddledome in his honour. The Peter Maher Good Guy Award, selected by Calgary media members, also recognizes a Flames player for qualities including sincerity, integrity, dedication and respect.
A voice remembered across generations
Maher’s broadcasts remain part of the Flames’ recorded history and the memories of listeners who followed the team during his 33 seasons in Calgary. Colleagues and fans remembered both his preparation behind the microphone and the respect he showed people throughout the hockey community.
Connect TV Channel extends its condolences to Maher’s family, friends, former colleagues and listeners. This report will be updated if his family or an authorized representative releases material new information.
Sources and verification
The report of Maher’s death and his age were checked against Sportsnet’s August 13 coverage. Career details were cross-checked against Sportsnet’s retirement report and contemporaneous coverage of his 2014 retirement.
- Sportsnet — report on Peter Maher’s death
- Sportsnet — retirement and career retrospective
- Global News — coverage of Maher’s retirement
Editorial note: A cause of death had not been publicly disclosed when this article was reviewed. Connect TV Channel does not speculate about the cause. The article uses no graphic content and is intended as respectful news and career coverage.