Don Cherry pictured at the CBC Winter Launch in 2010 (Photo: Wikipedia)
On November 9th, Don Cherry, a legendary ice hockey commentator, made some controversial comments during a Coach’s Corner segment on Hockey Night in Canada. During Cherry’s Coach’s Corner, the former NHL coach made remarks that suggested Canadian immigrants benefit from the sacrifices of veterans and do not wear remembrance poppies. Cherry was fired after almost four decades of broadcasting NHL games.
Remembrance Day is a holiday in Canada similar to Veteran’s Day in the United States. On this day and the weeks leading up to it, red poppy pins are worn by many as a sign of respect. During the broadcast, Cherry asserted that immigrants in Canada fail to recognize Remembrance Day. He said, “You people love our way of life, you love our milk and honey. At least you can pay a couple of bucks for a poppy or something like that. [The veterans] paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada. These guys paid the biggest price.”
Northwood students have mixed feelings about the incident. Most agree that Don Cherry deserved to be fired but they are disappointed that “Coach’s Corner is no more,” as stated by co-host Ron MacLean.
Ray Fust ‘21, who has lived in Canada for most of his life, said, “Don Cherry is a very old-fashioned and arrogant guy, but he’s also a great hockey guy. Without Grapes, there’s no more Hockey Night in Canada!”
Regardless of the controversy, those who have seen Don Cherry every Saturday night for the past 38 years will have to get used to his absence in Hockey Night in Canada.
