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The hockey world remembers the late, great Peter Maher
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Ryan Pike
Aug 14, 2026, 08:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 14, 2026, 05:14 EDT
The Calgary Flames announced the passing of the late, great Peter Maher on Thursday at the age of 79.
After a stint doing play-by-play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maher moved west and joined the radio broadcast team for the relocated Calgary Flames prior to their inaugural 1980-81 season. After a year spent being the host and roving reporter, Maher switched spots with incumbent play-by-play commentator Bart Dailley for the second season, and the rest is history.
Maher called every single Flames game from the start of the 1981-82 season until his retirement following the 2013-14 campaign, spanning the QR 810, QR 770, 660 CFR and FAN 960 eras of Flames radio broadcasts. Johnny Gaudreau’s first NHL goal, scored in the final game of that season, was the final goal Maher called in his career. He was honoured by the Hockey Hall of Fame as the Foster Hewitt Award winner in 2006 and had the radio broadcast booth in the Saddledome named in his honour in 2014. Following his retirement, Calgary’s media contingent began giving out the Peter Maher Good Guy Award to the Flames player that best exemplified Maher’s values, with Maher personally presenting the award to each year’s winner.
As news of Maher’s passing circulated in the hockey world, countless friends, colleagues and luminaries shared their remembrances of a great ambassador for the sport and an exceptional human being.
In the history of the Calgary Flames, exactly three people have done radio play-by-play calls of their games: Dailley, Maher, and Derek Wills.

I am shocked and saddened by Peter’s passing. I texted with Peter yesterday and told him how cool it was to hear some of his historic calls on @QRcalgary again. He was so happy to hear that @NHLFlames games would still be broadcast on the radio. The biggest honour of my life Show more

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
@NHLFlames

It is with deep regret and sadness that the Calgary Flames organization acknowledge the passing of Peter Maher, the legendary voice of the Flames. 🔗: cflam.es/4i850Bi

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Peter was an incredible broadcaster, the best at his craft, and the most prepared and hardworking person I’ve been around. Pete was also just a great man. A rockstar who only carried himself like a teammate, friend, and mentor. Rest easy, Pete. What an honour to know you.

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
@NHLFlames

It is with deep regret and sadness that the Calgary Flames organization acknowledge the passing of Peter Maher, the legendary voice of the Flames. 🔗: cflam.es/4i850Bi

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The Peter Maher Award says it all; sincerity, integrity dedication and respect. Peter was that along with a passionate high energy Hall of Fame call. Condolences to all who were impacted by Peter in the Calgary sports community.

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
@NHLFlames

It is with deep regret and sadness that the Calgary Flames organization acknowledge the passing of Peter Maher, the legendary voice of the Flames. 🔗: cflam.es/4i850Bi

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Very sad to hear the passing of Peter, the longtime voice of the Flames. I had the privilege of playing for the Flames so Peter was the familiar voice throughout some very special years including our 1989 S.C. championship with his unmistakable “ Yeah , baby ! “ Peter was a true Show more

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
@NHLFlames

It is with deep regret and sadness that the Calgary Flames organization acknowledge the passing of Peter Maher, the legendary voice of the Flames. 🔗: cflam.es/4i850Bi

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Last, but not least, the mayor of Calgary, Jeromy Farkas, released a very lovely statement summing up a lot of how fans are feeling right now.
We definitely encourage you to check out Barn Burner’s tribute show from Thursday night for more tributes from Maher from a ton of people that spent a lot of time with him.

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