Former Maple Leafs PA Announcer Paul Morris Passes Away At Age 86

Morris was the Maple Leafs' PA announcer from 1961 to 1999, calling 1,585 consecutive games.

Paul Morris, the former PA announcer for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has sadly passed away.

"More than an announcer, Paul was part of Leafs history," the Maple Leafs posted to X. "His voice and legacy will forever echo in Leafs Nation."

The longtime PA announcer was with the Maple Leafs for 38 years, from 1961 to 1999. He called the final game at Maple Leaf Gardens on Feb. 13, 1999, and had the chance to announce the first game at Scotiabank Arena one week later.

In his lengthy career as the voice of the Maple Leafs, Morris announced 1,585 consecutive with the club.

"His voice was synonymous with the Gardens," former Maple Leafs captain Darryl Sittler told the Toronto Sun on Monday. "It’s true that players thought they’d truly made the NHL when they heard him announce their name. He was such a nice man, too."

The Maple Leafs have only had four PA announcers: Red Barber, who was there when the Gardens opened its doors in 1931, Morris from 1961 to 1999, Andy Frost from 1999 to 2016, and Mike Ross, who is with the team today.

"Saddened to learn of the passing of “The Voice of the Gardens” Paul Morris," Maple Leafs play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen posted to X on Monday. "His iconic voice announced Maple Leaf goals for 36 years and was a mainstay at Maple Leaf Gardens!!! RIP"

In an obituary, Morris passed away after a long illness with his loving wife Marion by his side. He was 86.

The Hockey News Toronto sends our condolences to his family and friends.