Don Cherry

Don Cherry is a Canadian former ice hockey player, coach, and television commentator best known for his long tenure on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, especially the Coach’s Corner segment.

Don Cherry is a Canadian former ice hockey player, coach, and television commentator best known for his long tenure on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, especially the Coach’s Corner segment. Born in Kingston, Ontario, he became a prominent and polarizing figure in Canadian sports media. He is still alive as of 2026.

Early life and playing career

Don Cherry was born in Kingston, Ontario, in 1934. He pursued a career in hockey as a defenceman, playing one NHL game with the Boston Bruins before transitioning to coaching and broadcasting.

Coaching career

Cherry coached in professional hockey, including the Boston Bruins and Colorado Rockies in the NHL. He also achieved success in the American Hockey League before moving into broadcasting.

Broadcasting career

Cherry became a long-running television personality on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, where he co-hosted Coach’s Corner. His commentary, known for its outspoken style and distinctive clothing, made him one of the most recognizable figures in Canadian hockey media. He is nicknamed "Grapes."

Controversy and firing

In November 2019, Cherry was removed from Sportsnet after remarks on Hockey Night in Canada about immigrants and Remembrance Day poppies drew widespread criticism. Sportsnet said his comments were divisive and did not reflect its values. He had urged newcomers to wear poppies and used the phrase "you people," leading to his firing.