Don Cherry, Canadian ice hockey player, coach, and sportscaster

Donald Stewart Cherry, born on February 5, 1934, is an emblematic figure in Canadian ice hockey, renowned for his multifaceted career as a professional player, National Hockey League (NHL) head coach, and ultimately, an iconic sports commentator and writer. His distinctive persona and passionate insights left an indelible mark on the sport's landscape, particularly in Canada.

An Enduring Hockey Journey: From Player to Coach

Cherry’s journey in professional hockey began as a player, predominantly in the American Hockey League (AHL). While his NHL playing career was brief, consisting of a single game with the Boston Bruins, his dedication and physical style of play in the minor leagues laid the groundwork for his future coaching success. It was with the Boston Bruins that Cherry truly made his name as a coach, leading the team for five impactful seasons from 1974 to 1979. Under his tutelage, the Bruins became a formidable force known for their aggressive, hard-nosed style, achieving remarkable success including four division titles and two appearances in the prestigious Stanley Cup Finals (1977 and 1978). His coaching philosophy, often described as "old-school," emphasized grit, loyalty, and a tenacious approach to the game, resonating deeply with fans and players alike.

The Iconic Era of Coach's Corner

Following his coaching career, Don Cherry transitioned to broadcasting, where he became a national institution. From 1986 to 2019, he co-hosted "Coach's Corner," a highly anticipated segment aired during the first intermission of CBC's flagship Saturday-night NHL broadcast, Hockey Night in Canada. For 33 seasons, Cherry, affectionately nicknamed "Grapes" by fans and colleagues, captivated audiences with his outspoken opinions, passionate monologues, and distinctively flamboyant sartorial choices, which often included brightly colored suits and elaborate ties. His segment, co-hosted with the insightful Ron MacLean, became a cultural touchstone in Canada, known for its unfiltered commentary on hockey news, player performance, and the physical aspects of the game. The dynamic between Cherry's fiery declarations and MacLean's more measured responses was a fundamental part of the segment's enduring appeal, making it essential viewing for millions of Canadians.

Beyond the Broadcast Booth: Media Ventures and Cultural Recognition

Cherry's influence extended beyond "Coach's Corner" through several other media ventures. From 1984 to 2019, he hosted "Grapeline," a popular short-form radio segment alongside fellow sportscaster Brian Williams, where he offered his quick takes and opinions on various sports topics. Perhaps one of his most beloved creations was the direct-to-video series, "Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'em Hockey," which he created and starred in from 1989 to 2018. This annual compilation celebrated the most exhilarating and physical aspects of hockey, featuring big hits, memorable goals, and exciting fights, becoming a cherished holiday tradition for many Canadian families.

His profound impact on Canadian culture was formally recognized in 2004 when viewers of the CBC miniseries "The Greatest Canadian" voted him as the seventh-greatest Canadian of all time. His life story was further dramatized in two highly-anticipated CBC television movies: "Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story" (2010), based on a script by his son, Timothy Cherry, and its sequel, "The Wrath of Grapes: The Don Cherry Story II" (2012). These biographical films provided a deeper look into his journey, struggles, and rise to iconic status, further cementing his place in the national consciousness.

Controversies and Departure from Hockey Night in Canada

Despite his widespread popularity, Don Cherry's outspoken nature frequently led to controversy, particularly when his commentary veered into political or social commentary on "Coach's Corner." He faced significant criticism for several remarks over the years, including his dissent regarding Canada's lack of support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, his insinuation that only "Europeans and French guys" wore visors on their helmets (which was widely perceived as xenophobic), and his public denial of climate change.

The culmination of these controversies led to his dismissal from Sportsnet, the network that held the broadcasting rights for "Hockey Night in Canada," in November 2019. This decision followed comments made during a "Coach's Corner" segment on November 9, 2019, where Cherry implied that Canadian immigrants were not adequately honoring veterans by failing to wear Remembrance Day poppies, stating, "You people... that come here... you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you could pay a couple of bucks for a poppy or something." These remarks drew immediate and widespread condemnation, leading to his firing and marking the end of an era for one of Canadian television's most recognizable personalities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Cherry

Was Don Cherry a professional ice hockey player?

Yes, Donald Cherry had a professional ice hockey playing career, primarily in the American Hockey League (AHL), and also played one game in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins.

How long did Don Cherry coach the Boston Bruins?

Don Cherry coached the Boston Bruins for five seasons, from 1974 to 1979, during which he led them to four division titles and two Stanley Cup Finals appearances.

What was Coach's Corner?

Coach's Corner was a highly popular and iconic segment co-hosted by Don Cherry and Ron MacLean during the first intermission of CBC's Saturday-night NHL broadcast, Hockey Night in Canada. It ran for 33 seasons, from 1986 to 2019, and was known for Cherry's outspoken opinions and flamboyant style.

Why was Don Cherry considered controversial?

Don Cherry was often considered controversial due to his outspoken nature and strong opinions, particularly when he made comments on topics outside of hockey, such as politics, social issues, and even player equipment, often leading to accusations of xenophobia or insensitivity.

When was Don Cherry fired from Hockey Night in Canada?

Don Cherry was fired by Sportsnet from Hockey Night in Canada in November 2019, following controversial comments he made on Coach's Corner implying that Canadian immigrants did not sufficiently support veterans by wearing Remembrance Day poppies.