Peter Maher, legendary Calgary Flames broadcaster, dead at 79
Posted Aug 13, 2026 12:37 pm.
Last Updated Aug 13, 2026 5:02 pm.
Peter Maher, the iconic radio voice of the Calgary Flames for more than three decades, has died at 79.
The team made the announcement on Thursday, saying in a statement that Maher “brought Flames hockey into the homes of generations of fans.”
Maher joined the organization in 1980 as its first radio announcer and went on to call 33 straight seasons, including the 1989 Stanley Cup championship and the Flames’ 2004 run to the final, before retiring after the 2013–14 season.
His trademark calls, especially “Yeah baby!,” became part of Flames history.
“Sad day in Calgary,” said Sportsnet’s Eric Francis in an online post. “A man of immense class, integrity and heart, Maher was a mentor to many and a comforting voice for Flames fans.
“It was impossible not to love the man.”
Born in Campbellton, N.B., in 1949, Maher called more than 3,000 consecutive NHL games, the 2010 Olympics and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006.
Following his retirement, he was honoured with the Peter Maher Radio Broadcast Booth in the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames also named an award after him, giving out the Peter Maher Award to the Flames player who best demonstrated the virtues he upheld: Sincerity, integrity, dedication and respect.
With files from Sportsnet Staff
