Don Cherry

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.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed as the final buzzer sounded on another heartbreaking Sunday night loss. In his dressing room corner, Don Cherry adjusted his signature red sweater, the fabric worn soft by years of passionate gestures. He didn't need a script; the frustration of the fans was etched into every line of his face. As he picked up the microphone for 'Coach's Corner,' his voice dropped to that familiar gravelly rumble, not to scold, but to rally the faithful one more time, reminding them that while the game might be hard, the love for the Leaf never dies.

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.