The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Broadcaster›Ron MacLean
Sports • Broadcaster

Ron MacLean

Ron MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster and television host best known for his long association with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and his role as co-host of Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry from 1986 to 2019.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ron MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster and television host best known for his long association with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and his role as co-host of Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry from 1986 to 2019. He is also a former hockey referee and has hosted major Canadian and international sports coverage. MacLean is a major figure in Canadian sports media, especially through Hockey Night in Canada, CBC sports coverage, and long-running hockey broadcasts that are closely associated with Canadian culture.

Early life and career

Ron MacLean was born in Zweibrücken, Germany, in 1960 and later grew up in Western Canada. He started in broadcasting in 1978 at CKRD Radio in Red Deer before moving into television sports work.

CBC and Hockey Night in Canada

MacLean joined CBC in 1986 and became closely identified with Hockey Night in Canada. He later served as the full-time national host and became known for his long-running role in Canadian hockey broadcasting.

Coach’s Corner and other hosting work

MacLean co-hosted Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry from 1986 to 2019. He also hosted coverage of the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and other sports programming for CBC.

Awards and recognition

MacLean has received multiple Gemini Awards for sports broadcasting. Sources also note recognition from Canadian sports and broadcasting organizations, reflecting his long career in television.

Key facts

  • MacLean began his broadcasting career in 1978 at CKRD Radio in Red Deer, Alberta.
  • He joined CBC in 1986 and became a prominent national host for Hockey Night in Canada.
  • He co-hosted Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry from 1986 until 2019.
  • He has hosted CBC coverage of the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and other major sporting events.
  • He has also worked as a former Level 5 referee for the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association.
🍁
Canadian context

MacLean is a major figure in Canadian sports media, especially through Hockey Night in Canada, CBC sports coverage, and long-running hockey broadcasts that are closely associated with Canadian culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ron MacLean?
Ron MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster and television host best known for Hockey Night in Canada.
What is Ron MacLean best known for?
He is best known for hosting Hockey Night in Canada and for co-hosting Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry.
When did Ron MacLean start broadcasting?
He began his broadcasting career in 1978 at CKRD Radio in Red Deer, Alberta.
Was Ron MacLean a hockey referee?
Yes. He is described in sources as a former hockey referee and former Level 5 referee.
What awards has Ron MacLean won?
Sources say he has won multiple Gemini Awards for sports broadcasting.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_MacLean
    Supports: Full name, birth date, Canadian sportscaster role, CBC/Rogers affiliation, Coach’s Corner association, former hockey referee
  2. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/programguide/personality/ron_maclean
    Supports: Broadcasting start in 1978, CBC career details, Olympic and other hosting work, Gemini Awards, former referee, residence
  3. The Canadian Communications Foundation / Broadcasting History — https://broadcasting-history.ca/personalities/maclean-ron/
    Supports: Career overview and Gemini Awards
  4. HarperCollins — https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/ron-maclean-10197
    Supports: Career timeline, CBC work, Coach’s Corner, awards, residence