Don Cherry

Don Cherry
Born	Donald Stewart Cherry (1934-02-05) February 5, 1934 Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Other names	Grapes
Occupation(s)	Ice hockey player, coach, media analyst
Years active	1951–1972 (player), 1971–2002 (coach), 1986–2019 (broadcaster)
Known for	NHL player and coach; Coach's Corner co-host on Hockey Night in Canada

Donald Stewart Cherry (born February 5, 1934) is a retired Canadian ice hockey athlete, coach, and media analyst. His NHL playing career consisted of a single game with the Boston Bruins. Following his tenure as a player in the American Hockey League, he served as head coach for the Bruins over five seasons, guiding the team to four division championships and reaching two Stanley Cup Finals.

From 1986 until 2019, Cherry co-hosted Coach's Corner on CBC's Saturday evening NHL program Hockey Night in Canada, alongside Ron MacLean. Known by the nickname Grapes, he gained recognition for his candid commentary and distinctive attire. By the 2018–19 NHL season, Cherry and MacLean had been presenting Coach's Corner together for 33 years. Additionally, from 1984 through 2019, Cherry hosted Grapevine, a brief radio segment featuring sportscaster Brian Williams. He also created and starred in the direct-to-video series Don Cherry's Rock'em Sock'em Hockey from 1989 to 2018.

In 2004, Cherry was ranked seventh among the greatest Canadians in the CBC miniseries The Greatest Canadian. His life story was dramatized in two CBC films: Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story (2010), scripted by his son Timothy Cherry, followed by its sequel, The Wrath of Grapes: The Don Cherry Story II (2012).

Cherry has voiced contentious political opinions, including criticism of Canada's position on the 2003 invasion of Iraq and skepticism about climate change. In November 2019, Sportsnet terminated his role on Hockey Night in Canada after remarks perceived as anti-immigration and xenophobic concerning Canadian immigrants during his broadcast.

Early life and family

Born in Kingston, Ontario, Cherry is the son of Delmar (Del) and Maude Cherry. His paternal grandfather, John T. (Jack) Cherry, was among the founding members of the North-West Mounted Police (now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and also captained ships on the Great Lakes. On his mother's side, Richard Palamountain—of Cornish heritage—was a British orphan sent to Canada as one of the Home Children and served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Del Cherry worked as an electrician for the Canadian Steamship Lines and was an amateur sportsman. On March 15, 2008, during an episode of Coach's Corner, Don wore green and gold colors representing County Kerry, Ireland, acknowledging his ancestral ties there. His younger brother, Dick Cherry, also played professionally in the National Hockey League with the Philadelphia Flyers.

While playing for the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League, Cherry met Rosemarie (Rose) Cherry (née Madelyn Martini), born in 1935 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Their life together involved relocating 53 times due to Don’s minor-league hockey career, often living with minimal furnishings and limited housing options. Despite frequent absences at important family moments—such as their daughter Cindy’s birth—Rose played a significant role in his life. Six years later, they welcomed their son Tim. When Tim required a kidney transplant at age thirteen, Cindy generously donated one of her kidneys. As of 2006, both siblings resided near their father in Mississauga.

Rose passed away from liver cancer on June 1, 1997. To honor her memory, Don founded Rose Cherry's Home for Kids (currently The Darling Home for Kids) located in Milton, Ontario. He also wears a rose on his lapel as a personal tribute. The Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga stands on Rose Cherry Place, which was named after her.

In 1999, Don remarried to his second wife, Luba.

Playing career

Cherry competed in junior hockey for the Barrie Flyers and Windsor Spitfires within the Ontario Hockey Association. As a defenceman, he secured the Memorial Cup with Barrie in 1953. After leaving high school prematurely, he signed with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Hershey Bears in 1954.

His professional tenure was predominantly in the minor leagues, with a single NHL appearance occurring during the Boston Bruins' 1955 playoff run. A baseball injury is believed to have curtailed his chances of establishing a longer NHL career despite nearly two decades in the minors. Cherry initially retired in 1970 but made a brief comeback in 1972, playing 19 games for the Rochester Americans. Throughout his career, he captured four Calder Cup titles—once with the Springfield Indians in 1960 and three times with Rochester in 1965, 1966, and 1968—as well as the Lester Patrick Cup while with the Vancouver Canucks in 1969.

Regular season and playoffs

... [Table continues with statistics summarized above] ...

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1951–52	Windsor Spitfires	OHA		18	0	3	3	30		—	—	—	—	—
1951–52	Barrie Flyers	OHA		18	2	3	5	30		—	—	—	—	—
1952–53	Barrie Flyers	OHA		56	5	3	8	66		25	4	3	7	46
1953–54	Barrie Flyers	OHA		55	10	14	24	61		—	—	—	—	—
1954–55	Hershey Bears	AHL		63	7	13	20	125		—	—	—	—	—
1954–55	Boston Bruins	NHL		—	—	—	—	—		1	0	0	0	0
1955–56	Hershey Bears	AHL		58	3	22	25	102		—	—	—	—	—
1956–57	Hershey Bears	AHL		64	5	20	25	197		7	2	0	2	27
1957–58	Springfield Indians	AHL		65	9	17	26	83		13	1	1	2	10
1958–59	Springfield Indians	AHL		70	6	22	28	118		—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals				—	—	—	—	—		1	0	0	0	0
AHL totals				767	67	192	259	1,066		69	7	10	17	109

Coaching career

Following the conclusion of the ’68–69 season, Cherry ended his active playing days. He briefly took on roles as a Cadillac salesman, construction laborer, and house painter, earning $2 an hour.

During the ’71–72 AHL campaign, Cherry was appointed head coach of the Rochester Americans and subsequently promoted to General Manager. In his third year leading the team, he received the league’s Coach of the Year distinction.

Boston Bruins

After spending three years coaching in Rochester, Cherry was elevated to the position of NHL head coach for the Boston Bruins in the 1974–75 campaign. Although the Bruins had recently secured two Stanley Cup championships, they entered a period of change following the departures of key players Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito shortly after Cherry’s inaugural season.

Known for his unconventional coaching style and focus on physicality, Cherry transformed the team into a gritty, hardworking unit dubbed the "Big Bad Bruins" or "lunch-pail gang." He orchestrated trades sending Esposito and Carol Vadnais in exchange for Brad Park and Jean Ratelle, emphasizing team balance over individual star power. This approach revitalized the Bruins, who then captured four straight Adams Division titles from 1975–76 through 1978–79. Cherry earned the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year in 1975. Notably, during the 1977–78 season, his squad set a league record by having eleven players score at least 20 goals.

Under Cherry’s guidance, Boston overcame the Philadelphia Flyers twice in playoff series and advanced to the Stanley Cup finals in both 1977 and 1978, only to fall short against their rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. A decisive moment occurred during the 1979 semi-finals when a late penalty for too many men on the ice cost Boston a chance to progress; Cherry accepted full responsibility for this mistake. The Canadiens proceeded to claim their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup.

Cherry’s time with the Bruins concluded after tensions with General Manager Harry Sinden culminated in his dismissal following the 1979 postseason.

Colorado Rockies

During the 1979–80 season, Cherry took on the head coaching role for the Colorado Rockies, promoting a rallying cry around Denver: "Come to the fights and watch a Rockies game break out!" Despite his ability to inspire players, his candid demeanor led to friction with GM Ray Miron. Goaltending remained problematic as Miron insisted on keeping Hardy Åström, whom Cherry derisively nicknamed "The Swedish Sieve." Cherry recounted an occasion where Åström faced ten shots without conceding before allowing a goal on the very first attempt by opponents and was subsequently pulled from net.

Late in the season, Cherry confronted Mike McEwen—a player favored by team ownership—following a defeat. This confrontation prompted McEwen to briefly quit before returning after discussions with management. Cherry believed owners had assured him he would be dismissed once the season ended. The Rockies finished with a dismal league-worst record of 19–48–13, marking Cherry’s least successful coaching year. He was relieved of his duties six weeks after the season concluded.

Team Canada, Saskatoon Blues, Mississauga IceDogs

On the international stage, Cherry served as assistant coach for Team Canada at the 1976 Canada Cup and later as head coach at the 1981 World Ice Hockey Championships held in Sweden.

In 1983, Cherry agreed to helm a proposed NHL franchise relocation involving Bill Hunter’s plan to move the St. Louis Blues to Saskatoon. However, this proposal was rejected by the NHL Board of Governors, resulting in the Blues remaining in St. Louis.

Between 1998 and 2002, Cherry was part-owner of the Ontario Hockey League’s Mississauga IceDogs and took over as head coach during the 2001–2002 season. As both owner and general manager, he initially declined participation in the CHL import draft, opting to field exclusively North American players. The IceDogs struggled significantly during this period, winning only sixteen games over three years. After dismissing coach Rick Vaive, Cherry assumed coaching responsibilities but managed just eleven victories while missing postseason play for a fourth consecutive year. His decision to incorporate European players during his coaching stint attracted criticism.

NHL

Team	Season	Regular season						Postseason
		G	W	L	T	Pts	Standing	W	L	Win %	Outcome
Boston Bruins	1974–75	80	40	26	14	94	2nd place in Adams	1	2	Template:Winpct	Eliminated in preliminary round (CHI)
Boston Bruins	1975–76	80	48	15	17	113	1st place in Adams	5	7	Template:Winpct	Defeated in semifinals (PHI)
Boston Bruins	1976–77	80	49	23	8	106	Finished first in Adams	8	6	Template:Winpct	Lost in Finals (MTL)
Boston Bruins	1977–78	80	51	18	11	113	Top of Adams division	10	5	Template:Winpct	Runner-up in Finals (MTL)
Boston Bruins	1978–79	80	43	23	14	100	First place in Adams division	7	4	Template:Winpct	Semifinal exit (MTL)
Boston aggregate		400	231	105	64	526		31	24	Template:Winpct	Five playoff appearances
Colorado Rockies	1979–80	80	19	48	13	51	Finished sixth in Smythe division	—	—	—	Did not qualify for playoffs
Colorado aggregate		80	19	48	13	51		—	—	—	No postseason appearances
Career total		480	250	153	77	577		31	24	Template:Winpct	Five playoff campaigns

Minor leagues

AHL
Team	Season	Regular season						Postseason
		G	W	L	T	Pts	Standing	W	L	Win %	Outcome
Rochester Americans	1971–72	39	16	18	5	37	5th place in East division	—	—	—	Failed to reach playoffs
Rochester Americans	1972–73	76	33	31	12	78	3rd spot in East division	2	4	Template:Winpct	Eliminated in division semifinals
Rochester Americans	1973–74	76	42	21	13	97	Led North division standings	2	4	Template:Winpct	Lost in division semifinals
Rochester overall totals		191	91	70	30	212	4	8	Template:Winpct	Two postseason appearances

Broadcasting career

Following the Colorado Rockies' failure to qualify for the 1980 Stanley Cup playoffs, Cherry transitioned to CBC, initially serving as a studio analyst during playoff broadcasts before becoming a permanent colour commentator in 1981. His pronounced partiality toward franchises such as the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs led to the inception of Coach's Corner, a segment aired during Hockey Night in Canada intermissions, first alongside Dave Hodge and later from 1986 with Ron MacLean.

Between 1984 and 2019, Cherry co-hosted Don Cherry's Grapeline with Brian Williams, which was broadcast on more than one hundred Canadian radio stations and select American outlets. He also helmed Don Cherry's Grapevine, an interview program that combined hockey analysis with cultural discussions, initially on CHCH-TV and subsequently on TSN.

In the late 1980s, Cherry introduced the Don Cherry's Rock'em Sock'em Hockey video series, highlighting physical aspects of hockey play; notable editions include a fifteenth-anniversary release in 2003. His forthright commentary occasionally generated controversy, exemplified by a threatened legal action after he criticized Winnipeg Jets assistant coach Alpo Suhonen in 1989.

Cherry's broadcasts were characterized by his assertive viewpoints and trademark catchphrases, complemented by his distinctive vibrant jackets worn on air. A notable incident occurred in January 2004 when he suggested that players wearing visors were more likely to commit high-sticking penalties, associating this trend with European and French Canadian athletes. This prompted an official inquiry and led CBC to implement a seven-second broadcast delay. Subsequent evidence revealed that players without visors actually incurred more such penalties.

He resumed his role on Coach's Corner without any broadcast delay during the 2005–06 NHL season. During the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, NBC featured him as an intermission analyst alongside Bill Clement and Brett Hull. In May of 2008, ESPN enlisted Cherry as a commentator for the NHL playoffs, with Cherry donating his compensation to the Humane Society.

Cherry's broadcasting tenure is distinguished by his unique presentation style, strong opinions, and significant impact on hockey media both within Canada and internationally.

Dismissal from Hockey Night in Canada

On November 9, 2019, during the segment Coach's Corner, Don Cherry directed criticism toward Canadian immigrants for allegedly failing to wear remembrance poppies, accusing them of benefiting from veterans' sacrifices without demonstrating proper respect. His statements sparked widespread accusations of racism. The Royal Canadian Legion, responsible for distributing the poppies, condemned Cherry's remarks as both "hurtful" and "divisive." Sportsnet issued an apology, labeling the comments as discriminatory and inconsistent with their organizational values. Co-host Ron MacLean also expressed regret for not confronting Cherry during the broadcast. The NHL described the remarks as offensive and contrary to its principles. Cherry declined to apologize, stating, "I have had my say."

The following day, November 10, MacLean began the Rogers Hometown Hockey broadcast by apologizing for both Cherry's remarks and his own failure to respond on air. The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council reported receiving an unprecedented volume of complaints regarding the incident.

On November 11, Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley announced Cherry’s immediate termination, stating: "It has been decided it is the right time for him to step down." In an interview with the Toronto Sun, Cherry maintained his position and expressed concern that censorship would undermine the spirit of Coach's Corner. He later admitted that he might have used the term "everybody" if given a chance to rephrase his comments.

On November 16, MacLean addressed viewers during Hockey Night in Canada, marking the first episode without Cherry and officially announcing the discontinuation of Coach's Corner.

Former Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr described Cherry’s dismissal as "disgraceful," while Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri suggested that Cherry’s remarks were misunderstood and conveyed his sadness over Cherry’s exit.

Subsequent career

On November 19, 2019, Cherry debuted his podcast series titled Grapevine. During this initial episode, he made clear that he would not agree to Sportsnet’s terms for a possible return. Cherry concluded his podcasting activities in June 2025.

Acting career

Cherry ventured into acting by portraying Jake Nelson, a coach character in the television series Power Play. Alongside Ron MacLean, he lent his voice as himself in the animated show Zeroman. Additionally, Cherry appeared as a hockey coach in an episode of Goosebumps. His voice was also featured in Disney’s animated movie The Wild and in the Mickey Mouse episode titled "Bad Ear Day". Furthermore, he appeared with the Trailer Park Boys in The Tragically Hip’s music video "The Darkest One". In 2008, Cherry made a guest appearance on the home renovation program Holmes on Homes, where he discussed construction topics with host Mike Holmes.

Business and philanthropy

In 1985, Cherry co-established a franchised chain of sports-themed bars and restaurants bearing his name, beginning with a location in Hamilton. Although initially involved as a partner, he currently licenses his brand without holding significant ownership stakes. The "Don Cherry's Sports Grill" franchise operates outlets throughout Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Cherry also founded the Don Cherry Pet Rescue Foundation, channeling all proceeds from his Simply Pets snack products to support animal welfare organizations. While generally endorsing the Conservative Party, he notably backed Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith's private member’s bill aimed at enhancing animal cruelty legislation during the 42nd Canadian Parliament.

Opinions on hockey

Cherry frequently voiced disapproval of players he believed failed to embody hockey in the "proper" manner, often singling out Québécois, Swedes, Russians, or Canadians who did not speak English. He regarded fighting as a fundamental aspect of the sport, essential for maintaining respect between teams and resonating with fans. His approach has been characterized as pioneering the intersection of sports and identity politics.

He identified Bobby Orr as the greatest player in history, while also expressing admiration for players such as Doug Gilmour, Vincent Lecavalier, and Cam Neely. Cherry was particularly harsh toward players he considered unsportsmanlike, notably singling out Ulf Samuelsson as especially dirty.

Cherry was a vocal critic of modern NHL developments that prioritized speed and skill over fighting, opposing rules like touch-up icing and the instigator penalty.

He also disapproved of extravagant goal celebrations. In 2003, he labeled junior prospect Sidney Crosby a "hot dog" for performing a knee slide celebration and scoring a goal behind the net when the outcome was already decided. He commented on the debate surrounding Alexander Ovechkin's 50th-goal celebration in 2009.

In 2019, Cherry referred to the Carolina Hurricanes as a "bunch of jerks" due to their jubilant victory celebrations on ice. The Hurricanes embraced this characterization, adopting it as a rallying slogan and projecting it onto the ice at PNC Arena.

Cherry has been a staunch advocate for both women's hockey and sledge hockey. In 1997, the Canadian women's national ice hockey team honored his late wife Rose Cherry. Canadian Hockey chairman Bob MacKinnon credited Don Cherry with substantial support for women's hockey dating back to the early 1980s.

Political views

Throughout his broadcasting tenure, Cherry frequently stirred debate by blending his hockey commentary with political viewpoints.

In 2003, Cherry openly supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq, criticizing Montreal fans for booing the U.S. anthem and condemning the Canadian government’s opposition to the war. He acknowledged that his stance conflicted with his role at government-owned CBC and feared it might jeopardize his career.

Cherry endorsed Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2006, commending him as a "grinder and a mucker" who stood behind Canadian military personnel. In 2010, he publicly backed Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, delivering a contentious speech at Ford’s inaugural council meeting where he disparaged "left-wing pinkos," sparking protests from progressive councillors. Despite backlash, Cherry defended his comments and later accompanied Ford on an official trip to visit Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

A fervent supporter of the Canadian Forces, law enforcement officers, and veterans, Cherry regularly expressed solidarity with these groups in public forums.

In 2018, Cherry encountered criticism after denying climate change and labeling its advocates as "cuckaloos." Environment Minister Catherine McKenna responded by emphasizing reliance on scientific expertise regarding climate issues. Previously, Cherry had criticized environmentalist David Suzuki as a "left-wing kook."

In 2020, Cherry publicly endorsed Donald Trump during the United States presidential election.

Accolades

On November 14, 2005, Cherry was granted honorary membership by the Police Association of Ontario, acknowledging his enduring advocacy for law enforcement agencies. In June 2007, he received the title of Dominion Command Honorary Life Member from the Royal Canadian Legion, in recognition of his unwavering dedication to Canadians serving in uniform. February 2008 saw Cherry awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, honoring his continual support of Canadian Forces members and his tribute to fallen soldiers during the Coach's Corner segment on Hockey Night in Canada.

In 2004, Cherry was placed seventh on CBC’s miniseries The Greatest Canadian. While he accepted being "a good Canadian," he did not claim the top spot, instead endorsing fellow Kingston native John A. Macdonald as the greatest.

In 2016, both Cherry and his Coach's Corner co-host Ron MacLean were commemorated with a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.

See also

• List of NHL head coaches
• List of players who played only one game in the NHL

External links

• ESPN E-Ticket - The Biggest Mouth in Sports
• Don Cherry: A Coach, A Commentator, A Controversy - CBC Digital Archives