Don Cherry
The outspoken voice of Coach's Corner and former Bruins coach.
Donald Stewart Cherry (born February 5, 1934) is a Canadian former ice hockey player, coach, and television commentator. He played one game in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Boston Bruins.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Former Player & Iconic Broadcaster
- Affiliation
- Toronto Maple Leafs (Player), CBC/Rogers (Broadcaster)
- Status
- Retired from Broadcasting
- Legacy segment
- Coach's Corner
- Hall of fame
- Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Lore & Background
Cherry coached the Boston Bruins for five seasons, leading the team to four division titles and two appearances in the Stanley Cup Final. From 1986 to 2019, he co-hosted Coach's Corner on Hockey Night in Canada with Ron MacLean. He also hosted Grapevine from 1984 to 2019 and created the Rock'em Sock'em Hockey video series from 1989 to 2018. Cherry was fired by Sportsnet in November 2019 after making controversial statements about Canadian immigrants.
Reader's Guide
Cherry is known for his outspoken manner, flamboyant dress, and nickname 'Grapes'. He has expressed controversial political views, including remarks on the 2003 invasion of Iraq and climate change denial. He was voted the seventh-greatest Canadian in a 2004 CBC miniseries.
Did You Know?
- Cherry played only one NHL game, with the Boston Bruins in 1955.
- He won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year in 1975.
- His wife Rose inspired the creation of Rose Cherry's Home for Kids.
- Cherry's younger brother Dick Cherry played two NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers.
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