Don Cherry: The Loud Voice That Became Part of Canadian Hockey
If you’ve ever watched hockey in Canada, then you’ve probably heard the name Don Cherry. He’s that guy with the bright, crazy suits, the loud opinions, and a deep love for the game. For many years, he wasn’t just a hockey commentator—he became a big part of Canadian culture. Some people loved him. Others didn’t. But one thing’s for sure—nobody could ignore him.
Let me tell you Don Cherry story in a simple and honest way.
Don Cherry: His Early Days as a Kid with a Hockey Dream
Don Cherry came into the world on February 5, 1934, in the city of Kingston, Ontario. His family didn’t have much money, but they were kind and full of love. Like many Canadian kids, Don loved hockey from the start. He spent his childhood skating on frozen ponds, pretending he was in the NHL. He didn’t have fancy gear, but he had a dream—and he chased it.
His Playing Career: Tough, Not Flashy
Don Cherry didn’t become a famous NHL player. Most of his career was in the American Hockey League (AHL). He played more than 1,000 games, mainly for teams like the Hershey Bears and Rochester Americans. He was a tough defenseman not a goal scorer, but someone who protected his teammates. He wasn’t afraid to fight if he had to. Even though he only played one NHL game, his passion and hockey smarts made people notice him. That’s how he later became a coach.
The Coach Who Built the Big, Bad Bruins
In the 1970s, Don Cherry got the chance to coach the Boston Bruins. He brought a new energy to the team—he believed in hard work, toughness, and standing by your team.
Under his coaching:
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The Bruins made the playoffs every year
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They reached the Stanley Cup Final in 1977
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Don won the Jack Adams Award in 1976 (for NHL’s best coach)
He was passionate and emotional. Sometimes unpredictable. But he knew how to bring the best out of his players.
TV Star: When Don Cherry Took Over the Screen
When his coaching days ended in 1980, most people thought he was done. But CBC gave him a spot on Hockey Night in Canada, and that changed everything. Don teamed up with Ron MacLean and created “Coach’s Corner”—a short segment during the game. But that little segment? It became HUGE. Every Saturday night, fans tuned in—not just to watch hockey, but to see what Don Cherry had to say.
Coach’s Corner: Where Hockey Got Loud
This part of the show became famous for many reasons:
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Don’s strong support for Canadian players
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His dislike for “soft” European-style hockey
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He had deep love and respect for soldiers and war veterans.
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His wild, colorful suits
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And his bold, unfiltered opinions
He didn’t just talk about the game—he talked about values, respect, and real hockey. But sometimes, the things he said caused problems.
The Controversies: When Things Got Heated
Don Cherry was never afraid to speak his mind. But over the years, some of his comments were seen as rude, too political, or offensive by many people. A few examples:
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Criticizing European and French-Canadian players
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Defending fighting in hockey
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Making strong political statements on live TV
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In 2019, he made a comment about immigrants and Remembrance Day that caused huge backlash
He didn’t say sorry. And because of that, Sportsnet ended his contract. After nearly 40 years, Coach’s Corner came to an end. Some fans were sad. Others thought it was time. But no matter how you see it, it was the end of a big chapter.
The Softer Side of Don Cherry
Don may have seemed loud and rough on TV, but behind the scenes, he had a kind heart. He spent years helping others, like:
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Supporting Canadian troops and veterans
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Raising money for children’s hospitals
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Speaking up for animal rescue and dog adoption
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Creating the fun and popular Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Hockey video series
He never showed off about this side of his life. But it mattered.
Don Cherry at a Glance
| Thing | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donald Stewart Cherry |
| Born | February 5, 1934 |
| Hometown | Kingston, Ontario, Canada |
| NHL Coaching Record | 250–153–77 with Boston Bruins |
| TV Career | 1980–2019 on CBC and Sportsnet |
| Big Award | Jack Adams (Best NHL Coach – 1976) |
| Known For | Bold suits, strong opinions, loyalty |
His Legacy: Love Him or Not, He Left a Mark
Don Cherry changed how people talk about hockey. He brought drama, emotion, and honesty to a world that used to be calm and quiet. He made hockey broadcasts exciting. He made people think—even if they didn’t agree with him. In 2020, he started his own podcast called Grapevine, where he continues to share his thoughts the way he always has—loud and proud. Even if he’s not on TV anymore, his voice still lives on. People still talk about him. And hockey still feels a little like Don Cherry.
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Final Thoughts: The Loudest Legend in Hockey
Don Cherry wasn’t perfect. He said some things that upset people. But he also gave decades of his life to hockey He believed in standing by your team, being strong, and always being yourself. For over 60 years, he was part of Canada’s hockey soul. Whether fans agreed or disagreed with him, they still tuned in. They listened. They reacted. That’s the power Don Cherry had. And even though the microphone is off now, his voice is still echoing in Canadian hockey forever.
