Wolves broadcaster Bowen named lead play-by-play voice of Toronto Marlies
Sudbury Wolves play-by-play broadcaster David Bowen is taking the next step in his broadcasting career, joining the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies for the 2026-27 season.
Bowen will serve as the Marlies’ lead play-by-play voice for the majority of the club’s home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum while continuing in his role with the Wolves, where he enters his fifth season behind the microphone.
“It’s an honour to join the Toronto Marlies as the team’s lead play-by-play broadcaster,” said Bowen. “The Marlies have a proud history and an incredibly passionate fan base, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to tell the stories of this team and its players throughout the season. I’m looking forward to working alongside the organization and bringing Marlies hockey to fans across the region and beyond.”
The opportunity continues a unique journey in Sudbury for Bowen, who has gone from Wolves goaltender to the club’s play-by-play voice.
The Unionville, ON native was selected by Sudbury in the 13th round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection. A goaltender like his father, longtime Toronto Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen, David went on to appear in seven games with the Wolves while spending much of his junior career with the Rayside-Balfour Canadians of the NOJHL.
After his playing career, Bowen attended Laurentian University’s Sports Administration program and began exploring opportunities in broadcasting. An early stint calling games for the Sudbury Nickel Capitals eventually led to an opportunity to return to the Wolves organization.
Bowen joined the Wolves’ broadcast team ahead of the 2022-23 season, initially handling road games and select home contests. His role has since expanded to include play-by-play across the club’s radio, television and webcast broadcasts, along with hosting podcast content.
His move to the Marlies also continues a longstanding Bowen family connection between Sudbury and professional hockey in Toronto. Joe Bowen began his broadcasting career calling Wolves games in the 1970s before becoming the Maple Leafs’ play-by-play voice in 1982.
David and Joe have since shared the booth for both OHL and NHL action. Earlier this year, they called a Wolves game together at Sudbury Community Arena as part of the club’s Family Day celebration honouring Joe’s broadcasting career.
Bowen has credited his playing background with helping shape his approach behind the microphone, particularly his ability as a former goaltender to read developing plays.
“When you go up above, you can see it a little better than you can on the ice,” Bowen told Ben Leeson of the Sudbury Star earlier this year. “You can read where the next pass is going to go and that helps you identify the guy who is about to get the puck, not just the guy who has it. I think being a goalie gives you a bit of a unique perspective when you start calling the game, because you’re kind of doing the same thing as when you were playing. You’re just not facing the shots.”
Bowen will be joined on the Marlies broadcast team by Matt Cullen and Ben Shulman, who will each call a selection of home games during the 2026-27 season. Marlies games will be available live and on-demand on FloHockey and the FloSports app.
