Latest news with #Coach'sCorner
Global News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Don Cherry, 91, signs off podcast after 313 episodes, future uncertain
Famed Canadian sportscaster Don Cherry signed off from his podcast for the final time — or so it seemed. The 91-year-old Cherry had hosted 'Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast' since November 2019, producing 313 episodes in total. His son and co-host, Tim Cherry, said on the finale that it had racked up 6.5 million downloads. 'Well, Tim, this is our last show. … Thanks everybody for listening and toodaloo,' Cherry said on the episode posted Monday. Cherry's official X account shared a link to the episode with the caption, 'Don Cherry Says Goodbye in Final Podcast,' reinforcing the impression that the series had come to an end. But in a Tuesday interview with the Toronto Sun, Cherry said the goodbye was meant as a seasonal sign-off, not a permanent farewell. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Even so, Tim Cherry told The Canadian Press he doesn't foresee any new episodes in the future. Story continues below advertisement 'That being said,' he added, 'if something wild happens like McDavid being traded to the Leafs, I'm sure Don will want to do a quick podcast about it. As for the start of next year, we'll see.' The podcast has been Cherry's most regular platform since his departure from television — a continuation of a storied and often controversial career in broadcasting. His bold suits were matched only by his even bolder opinions. For nearly 40 years, Cherry — a pugnacious former minor league defenceman who later coached the NHL's Boston Bruins and Colorado Rockies — made his name on Coach's Corner during Hockey Night in Canada. Cherry had long been known as a polarizing voice in hockey circles, but no moment left a lasting mark quite like Nov. 9, 2019, when he delivered a televised rant about people not wearing poppies, seemingly aimed at immigrants. Cherry, who denied targeting new Canadians, was fired two days later. Rogers Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley announced the decision, saying Cherry 'made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for.'
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Don Cherry, 91, signs off podcast after 313 episodes, future uncertain
Famed Canadian sportscaster Don Cherry signed off from his podcast for the final time — or so it seemed. The 91-year-old Cherry had hosted 'Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast' since August 2023, producing 313 episodes in total. His son and co-host, Tim Cherry, said on the finale that it had racked up 6.5 million downloads. 'Well, Tim, this is our last show. ... Thanks everybody for listening and toodaloo,' Cherry said on the episode posted Monday. Cherry's official X account shared a link to the episode with the caption, 'Don Cherry Says Goodbye in Final Podcast,' reinforcing the impression that the series had come to an end. But in a Tuesday interview with the Toronto Sun, Cherry said the goodbye was meant as a seasonal sign-off, not a permanent farewell. Even so, Tim Cherry told The Canadian Press he doesn't foresee any new episodes in the future. 'That being said,' he added, 'if something wild happens like McDavid being traded to the Leafs, I'm sure Don will want to do a quick podcast about it. As for the start of next year, we'll see.' The podcast has been Cherry's most regular platform since his departure from television — a continuation of a storied and often controversial career in broadcasting. His bold suits were matched only by his even bolder opinions. For nearly 40 years, Cherry — a pugnacious former minor league defenceman who later coached the NHL's Boston Bruins and Colorado Rockies — made his name on Coach's Corner during Hockey Night in Canada. Cherry had long been known as a polarizing voice in hockey circles, but no moment left a lasting mark quite like Nov. 9, 2019, when he delivered a televised rant about people not wearing poppies, seemingly aimed at immigrants. Cherry, who denied targeting new Canadians, was fired two days later. Rogers Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley announced the decision, saying Cherry 'made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2025.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Don Cherry, 91, signs off from podcast for the final time
Don Cherry reaches into his pocket to pay $100 to Bobby Orr to settle their traditional bet on the game following the Top Prospects game in St. Catharine's, Ont., on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. Team Orr won 6-0, and so Don Cherry paid Bobby Orr $100 after shaking hands after the game. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power Famed Canadian sportscaster Don Cherry signed off from his podcast for the final time. The 91-year-old Cherry had hosted 'Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast' since August 2023, producing 313 episodes in total. His son and cohost, Tim Cherry, said on the finale that it had racked up 6.5 million downloads. Cherry's bold suits were matched only by his even bolder opinions. But he went too far on Nov. 9, 2019, in a televised rant about people not wearing poppies, seemingly aimed at immigrants. Cherry, who denied targeting new Canadians, was fired two days later. Rogers Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley announced the decision, saying Cherry 'made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for.'' For nearly 40 years, Cherry — a pugnacious former minor league defenceman who later coached the NHL's Boston Bruins and Colorado Rockies — made his name on 'Coach's Corner' during 'Hockey Night in Canada.' Cherry had long been known as a controversial voice in hockey circles, but no moment left a lasting mark quite like that day in 2019. 'Well, Tim, this is our last show. ... Thanks everybody for listening and toodaloo,' Cherry said on his final podcast episode. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2025. The Canadian Press
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
WARMINGTON: Who said 'Coach' Don Cherry has done his final podcast? Not Grapes
The iconic fixture on Coach's Corner for 40 years said he's not retiring, as many on social media thought from his latest episode Get the latest from Joe Warmington straight to your inbox Don Cherry shows off some hockey art, given to him by artist Jamie Wiley, at his home on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Photo by Jack Boland / Toronto Sun Seems the reports of Don Cherry's retirement have been greatly exaggerated! This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Not so fast. 'You people' just may have jumped the Coach's departure a tad prematurely! 'Yeah, just like Mark Twain,' Cherry said laughing. At least the Coach got to see how much people love him. But don't worry, this is a good news column. Not an obituary. 'I'm coming back next season,' the legendary broadcaster told me late Monday. 'I can't wait.' Well, it's a good thing I checked in with Grapes. It certainly did say 'Don Cherry says goodbye in final podcast' in his X post Monday afternoon. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We just meant to say goodbye for this year,' said the iconic star of almost four decades of Coach's Corner on Hockey Night In Canada. 'We always do that at the end the season. There's no more hockey this year so there's no podcast for the summer. I guess we should have said for the season.' Many on social media, understandably, took the father and son sign-off to mean it was for good. You can see how that would happen. 'Well, Tim, this is our last show,' Grapes said on the sign-off. 'Yep,' said Tim. 'How many podcasts have we done? 'I don't know,' said Don. 'This is our 313th podcast,' said Tim, adding they have 'been listened to around the world' with 6.5 million downloads. Read More Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It's a very successful podcast and so important for so many to be able to hear Cherry's take on things since his unceremonious departure from Hockey Night in Canada after 'Poppy Gate.' The podcast filled a void for his fans, who missed Coach's Corner. But will there be a 314th episode once the NHL season drops the puck again in October? 'Definitely,' said the former NHL Coach of the Year. Nowhere did they say they are hanging up the microphone. But an emotional Don said at the end, 'Thanks everybody for listening – toodaloo.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Many took this to mean that was it for Don but I wasn't so sure because usually when he is wrapping something up, he gives me a heads up. He did that when he and Tim made the decision to end their popular Rock'em Sock'em Hockey video series and when he wound up the Don Cherry Grapevine radio show. And even when he was ridiculously fired by Rogers on Remembrance Day 2019 for encouraging people to wear poppies to remember the troops, he called to tell me. With no call from Don, there was no way I was going to report this was the end of Cherry's punditry career. So, I reached out to his email right away to find out if these reports were accurate. His wife, Luba said, 'It's the last one until they pick it up when hockey starts in the fall' but Tim, however, teased 'instead of doing the podcast and have lunch, we might just do lunch.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But Don said Tim always makes a similar joke. Don Cherry and his son Tim have released the 30th and final edition of their iconic Rock'em Sock'em Hockey videos. (supplied photo) 'He'll be back,' said Cherry. 'Tim, always says that. He loves hockey and knows hockey.' Tim is important in this podcast because, like Don, he's a hockey guy. A former central scout for the OHL, Tim has always had a keen eye for talent. He grew up hanging out at the rink when Don was coaching Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruins. Tim, who has been a fly on the wall for the whole journey, is also about the only person Grapes likes to watch games with. 'He so knowledgeable,' said Cherry. 'Tim was a very good hockey player too.' Unfortunately, his kidneys failed when he was a kid and his older sister Cindy gave him a new lease on life by donating him one of her kidneys. Cindy Cherry's unexpected death last summer at age 67 after a short illness is part this story in that it rocked Don to the core and it took him months to get his mojo back. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It was a devastating blow for Don and the whole family. Cindy was an amazing woman of charity, integrity and a voice of reason and calm. Don is very close to his kids and the podcast was a weekly get-together for a great lunch and chance for all of them to talk hockey and take a trip down memory lane with Don's beloved and loyal audience. Cindy Cherry and her dad, Don Cherry. Photo by Bryn Gladding They decided to keep going after Cindy's death and grandson Del was able to go ahead and get Cindy's book — The Don Cherry Story, from a daughter's point of view — published. With that, there was a new importance for the podcast in that it gave Grapes something to look forward to each week. 'The book is doing well,' said Don. 'I am enjoying reading it too because I remember all of those stories and it's neat to hear them again.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That book helps keep Cindy alive for him, his time each week with Tim and Del, his interaction with his cherished fans through the questions they send in, and his love for the hockey players he talks about, are all part of what keeps Grapes going. Hockey icon Don Cherry at his Mississauga home with the best-seller book The Don Cherry Story written by his beloved late daughter Cindy. on Tuesday June 3, 2025. Photo by Jack Boland / Toronto Sun His fans were relieved to hear the goodbye was misunderstood. 'I sure hope it's just a break,' said Mississauga realtor Steve Jay. 'It means a lot to me and his fans. We love him. He's Canada's dad, in my opinion.' 'Don should be named to the Hockey Hall of Fame today,' said Jamie Wiley of Parry Sound. 'I still can't believe he hasn't been.' I agree. I don't want Don to retire. He never should have been silenced in the first place. Grapes is like a fine wine that gets better with age. Hockey icon Don Cherry is backing the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup. He's pictured with columnist Joe Warmington at his Mississauga home on June 3, 2025. (Jack Boland, Toronto Sun) Both Don and Tim are cognizant that Cherry's next birthday will be his 92nd. But they also know their audience still loves to hear what the Coach has to say. Don said he still enjoys working with Tim and loves Cherry Nation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'They are all hockey people, too,' said Don. 'They know this game.' In the final podcast for this season, Don and Tim talked about how Brad Marchand should have won the Conn Smythe, how much he would have loved to coach him, how Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews are 'superstars,' and how the Edmonton Oilers missed Zach Hyman in the finals against the Panthers but there's no shame in losing because 'Florida were the better team.' It's a fun 13-minute listen. Don knows he can't do the podcast forever but he's not packing it in just yet. 'I was just saying farewell for the summer,' he said with a laugh. 'Right now, I am watching my Blue Jays. It's baseball season.' jwarmington@ NHL Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Other Sports NBA
Calgary Herald
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
When did Sportsnet's Hockey Night In Canada lose its way?
Article content 6. Too many bodies. Having six (and sometimes seven) competing talking heads during pre-games and intermission is drastic overkill. The result is that the sum of the parts is thus far less dynamic than some of the individuals. It also mutes the potential star power of those on the panel hired to provide just that. Article content 7. Back to the TNT-HNIC comparison. Not that pre-game interviews are often revealing, but prior to Game 6 the American broadcaster did a better setup job with rinkside comments from the key face of each team — the Oilers' Connor McDavid and the Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk. Article content 8. Chemistry. I'm of the belief that there are enough engaging voices on the Hockey Night crew, but the key to making them shine is to have them work with each other. On-air chemistry shouts authenticity to the viewer and the show aches for this. Article content 9. Entertainment value. As one seasoned observer of the telecasts put it to me, none of the on-air group are a disaster (though some are better than others) but there is a blandness to the group. Analysis is important, but when it comes across as overdone and scripted, it's begging viewers to turn to the baseball game at intermission. Article content Article content 10. Give us some banter. For all its faults, especially towards the end, the back-and-forth between MacLean and Don Cherry on Coach's Corner was appointment viewing. I'm not sure if anything does that in the current iteration. Over on TNT, meanwhile, you get to hear Wayne Gretzky giving it to Bissonnette or the panel goading Barkley into telling viewers why he jokingly detests Seth Jones because of his NBA-playing father Popeye. Article content 11. Inane analysis. Not a slight on Jennifer Botterill specifically, but when five commentators are asked to come up with three or four talking points per intermission, it's a reach. Case in point: After 40 minutes on Tuesday, with all but the final score inevitable, Botterill said 'Can the Oilers find a way to come back? Absolutely.' If the former Canadian Olympian really believed that, she might have been the only one in the building. Article content Article content 12. Kelly Hrudey could be better used. If anyone gets lost in the drone of competing voices, it might be him. On a more focussed show, for example, a host would have grilled him more on the struggles of Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, a huge story line throughout and again in Game 6. Hrudey offered some of that in the second intermission, but we wanted more. Article content 13. Speaking of more … As previously noted in this space, the one potential impact voice is Kevin Bieksa, the former hard-nosed defenceman who dishes hard-nosed commentary. Let him loose. And maybe bring in the always-opinionated Nick Kypreos for the odd cameo. Article content 14. Take a breath. When there are so many talking heads scrambling to get in as many words as possible, information overload mutes the impact. Too often, the show needs to breathe. Article content 15. Chris Cuthbert. No, the veteran play-by-play man isn't a fault — he's the opposite. From Sidney Crosby's Golden Goal to now, he has been the voice of so many iconic Canadian hockey moments and continues to be so just as the late, great Bob Cole was in his day. Now it's incumbent for Cuthbert to have a better produced show around him. Article content
