History of Don Cherry in Timeline
"Don Cherry" is a Canadian former ice hockey player and coach, best known for his flamboyant style and outspoken commentary. He played one game in the NHL with the Boston Bruins and later coached the team for five seasons, leading them to four division titles and two Stanley Cup Finals appearances. His successful playing career was primarily in the American Hockey League. Cherry is a prominent figure in Canadian sports culture, known for his colorful personality and controversial views.
February 5, 1934: Birth of Don Cherry
Don Cherry was born on February 5, 1934.
1935: Birth of Rosemarie (Rose) Cherry
Rosemarie (Rose) Cherry, Don Cherry's future wife, was born in 1935 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
1953: Don Cherry Wins Memorial Cup
Don Cherry won the Memorial Cup while playing defense for the Barrie Flyers in 1953.
1954: Don Cherry Signs with Hershey Bears
Don Cherry signed with the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears in 1954.
1955: Don Cherry Plays Only NHL Game
Don Cherry played his only NHL game in 1955 when called up by the Boston Bruins during the playoffs.
1960: Don Cherry Wins Calder Cup with Springfield Indians
Don Cherry won the Calder Cup championship with the Springfield Indians in 1960.
1965: Don Cherry Wins Calder Cup with Rochester Americans
Don Cherry won the Calder Cup championship with the Rochester Americans in 1965.
1966: Don Cherry Wins Second Consecutive Calder Cup with Rochester Americans
Don Cherry won his second straight Calder Cup championship with the Rochester Americans in 1966.
1968: Don Cherry Wins Third Calder Cup with Rochester Americans
Don Cherry won his third Calder Cup championship with the Rochester Americans in 1968.
1968: Don Cherry's playing career ends
Don Cherry's playing career effectively ended after the 1968-69 season.
1969: Don Cherry Wins Lester Patrick Cup with Vancouver Canucks
Don Cherry won the Lester Patrick Cup, the Western Hockey League Championship, with the Vancouver Canucks in 1969.
1970: Don Cherry Retires from Playing
Don Cherry retired as a player in 1970.
1971: Don Cherry Becomes Coach of Rochester Americans
Don Cherry became the coach of the American Hockey League's Rochester Americans in the middle of the 1971-72 season.
1974: Don Cherry Becomes Head Coach of Boston Bruins
Don Cherry was promoted to the NHL as head coach of the Boston Bruins for the 1974-75 season.
1975: Don Cherry Wins Jack Adams Award
Don Cherry won the Jack Adams Award, awarded to the NHL's coach of the year, in 1975 while coaching the Boston Bruins.
1976: Cherry Serves as Assistant Coach for Team Canada
Don Cherry contributed to Team Canada's coaching staff as an assistant coach during the 1976 Canada Cup.
1976: Bruins' Success Against Dominant Canadiens
During the 1976-1977 season, the Montreal Canadiens were a dominant force in the NHL. However, the Boston Bruins, led by Don Cherry, managed to secure three victories against them.
1977: Don Cherry's Bruins set NHL record for 20-goal scorers
Don Cherry coached the Boston Bruins to an NHL record of 11 players with 20 goals or more in the 1977-78 season.
1977: Bruins Reach Stanley Cup Finals Under Cherry
Don Cherry led the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1977, where they faced their rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. Despite a strong showing, the Bruins fell short of victory.
1978: Don Cherry's Bruins win fourth consecutive division title
Don Cherry's Boston Bruins captured their fourth straight Adams division title in the 1977-78 season.
1978: Bruins' Second Stanley Cup Finals Appearance
In 1978, Don Cherry and the Boston Bruins made their second consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals, once again facing the Montreal Canadiens. The Bruins were defeated by the dominant Canadiens team.
1979: Cherry Coaches Colorado Rockies
Don Cherry took on the role of head coach for the Colorado Rockies in the 1979-80 season. He brought with him a tough, physical style of play, epitomized by the team's motto: "Come to the fights and watch a Rockies game break out!"
1979: Controversial Loss in Game 7 Against Canadiens
Don Cherry's Bruins faced the Montreal Canadiens in a heated playoff series in 1979. In a pivotal Game 7, the Bruins were leading with minutes remaining when a controversial penalty for too many men on the ice turned the tide. The Canadiens capitalized on the power play and ultimately won the game in overtime, securing their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup victory. Cherry took responsibility for the costly penalty.
1980: Cherry Begins Broadcasting Career with CBC
Don Cherry's broadcasting career began in 1980 when he joined CBC as a studio analyst for their playoff coverage.
1981: Cherry Becomes Full-Time Colour Commentator
In 1981, Don Cherry transitioned to a full-time role as a colour commentator for CBC. However, his tenure in this position was short-lived due to his tendency to openly root for specific teams.
May 18, 1983: Proposed Move to Saskatoon Falls Through
Don Cherry accepted the position of head coach for the Saskatoon Blues, a team intended to be the relocated St. Louis Blues. However, the NHL Board of Governors rejected the relocation proposal on May 18, 1983, keeping the Blues in St. Louis.
1984: Don Cherry starts hosting Grapevine
Don Cherry started hosting Grapevine, a radio segment with Brian Williams, in 1984.
1984: "Don Cherry's Grapeline" Radio Show Begins
Don Cherry's foray into radio began in 1984 with the launch of "Don Cherry's Grapeline." He co-hosted the show with Brian Williams.
1985: First "Don Cherry's Sports Grill" Opens
The first franchised "Don Cherry's Sports Grill" opened in Hamilton in 1985. Initially a partner, Cherry later licensed his name to the chain, which now has locations in multiple Canadian provinces.
1987: Cherry Hosts "Don Cherry's This Week in Hockey"
During the 1987-88 NHL season, Don Cherry hosted a syndicated television show called "Don Cherry's This Week in Hockey." The show provided highlights from the week's games and featured Cherry's commentary and analysis.
1989: Launch of Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey
Don Cherry created and starred in the video series "Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey," which ran from 1989 to 2018.
1989: Don Cherry's Comment Triggers Lawsuit Threat
In 1989, Don Cherry made a derogatory remark about Winnipeg Jets assistant coach Alpo Suhonen, referring to him with a term considered offensive. This comment led to a lawsuit threat from Jets owner Barry Shenkarow.
1989: "Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey" Video Series Launched
In 1989, Don Cherry ventured into the world of video releases with his series "Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey." The series became popular among hockey enthusiasts.
1994: "Don Cherry's Grapeline" Moves to The FAN 590
In 1994, "Don Cherry's Grapeline" made the move to The FAN 590 and the Sportsnet Radio network, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
June 1, 1997: Death of Rose Cherry
Rose Cherry, Don Cherry's first wife, passed away from liver cancer on June 1, 1997.
1997: Canadian Women's Hockey Team Honors Rose Cherry
The Canadian women's national ice hockey team paid tribute to Rose Cherry, Don Cherry's late wife, in 1997. The team and Canadian Hockey chairman Bob MacKinnon acknowledged Don and Rose Cherry's significant contributions to the sport's growing popularity since the early 1980s.
1999: Cherry Praises Toughness in Players
Don Cherry always admired toughness in hockey players. He frequently cited examples, like the Phoenix Coyotes winger who, in the 1999 playoffs, left the ice after a powerful slapshot from St. Louis Blues defenseman Al MacInnis, allowing a teammate to take his place.
1999: Don Cherry's Second Marriage
Don Cherry married his second wife, Luba, in 1999.
March 22, 2003: Don Cherry Voices Support for Iraq War
On March 22, 2003, Don Cherry used his CBC segment to express his support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, criticizing the Canadian government's neutral stance. This followed his criticism of Montreal fans for booing the American national anthem.
2003: 15th Anniversary "Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey" Video
A 15th-anniversary edition of "Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey" was released in 2003, commemorating the series' enduring popularity.
2003: Cherry Criticizes Sidney Crosby's Goal Celebrations
Don Cherry's disapproval of elaborate goal celebrations was exemplified in 2003 when he criticized rising star Sidney Crosby, labeling his celebrations as "hot-dogging."
January 2004: Cherry's Comments on Visors Ignite Controversy
In January 2004, Don Cherry sparked controversy by suggesting that players who wore visors were more prone to high-sticking penalties. He further stated that "Most of the guys that wear them are Europeans and French [Canadian] guys," which drew criticism and protests. CBC responded by imposing a seven-second delay on Hockey Night in Canada.
2004: Don Cherry Featured on "The Greatest Canadian"
Don Cherry was featured in the CBC miniseries "The Greatest Canadian" in 2004, ranking seventh. While acknowledging his status as a "good Canadian," Cherry believed he wasn't the greatest and expressed his support for fellow Kingston resident, John A. Macdonald.
2004: Cherry's Comments Spark Controversy and Delay
Don Cherry's controversial comments targeting specific ethnicities, particularly French Canadians and Europeans, led to a seven-second delay being implemented for his broadcasts by CBC in 2004.
2004: Don Cherry voted seventh-greatest Canadian
Viewers voted Don Cherry as the seventh-greatest Canadian of all time in the 2004 CBC miniseries "The Greatest Canadian."
November 14, 2005: Don Cherry Receives Honorary Police Membership
Don Cherry, who once aspired to be a police officer, was granted honorary membership of the Police Association of Ontario on November 14, 2005. This recognition celebrated his longstanding support for police services.
2005: "Best Of" "Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey" Released
A "Best Of" compilation of "Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey" was released in 2005, featuring memorable moments from the series.
2005: Cherry Voices Strong Opinions on NHL Rules
Don Cherry consistently expressed strong opinions on various NHL rules. He was critical of touch icing, crease violation rules, and the two-minute penalty for shooting the puck into the crowd from the defensive zone, introduced in the 2005-2006 season.
2005: Seven-Second Delay Removed
The seven-second delay imposed on Don Cherry's segments was lifted by CBC for the 2005-2006 NHL season.
November 7, 2006: Don Cherry Endorses Stephen Harper
Don Cherry publicly endorsed Prime Minister Stephen Harper on November 7, 2006, praising Harper's support for the troops, a value Cherry strongly aligned with.
2006: Cindy and Tim Cherry live near their father
As of 2006, Don Cherry's children, Cindy and Tim, lived near each other and their father in Mississauga.
June 2007: Don Cherry Honored by Royal Canadian Legion
In June 2007, the Royal Canadian Legion bestowed upon Don Cherry the title of Dominion Command Honorary Life Member. This honor recognized his unwavering support for Canadians serving in the military.
2007: Cherry Appears on NBC During Stanley Cup Finals
Don Cherry made a rare appearance on American television during the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals as a commentator for NBC. He joined Bill Clement and Brett Hull for intermission coverage, providing his unique insights to a wider audience.
February 2008: Don Cherry Receives Canadian Forces Medallion
Don Cherry was awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service in February 2008. The medal recognized his steadfast support for the Canadian Forces, particularly his practice of honoring fallen soldiers on his Hockey Night in Canada segment, Coach's Corner.
March 15, 2008: Don Cherry wears County Kerry colours on Coach's Corner
On March 15, 2008, Don Cherry wore the colors of County Kerry, Ireland, on Coach's Corner, claiming ancestry from the region.
May 2008: Cherry Joins ESPN as NHL Playoffs Commentator
In May 2008, ESPN welcomed Don Cherry as a commentator for the remaining NHL playoffs. He partnered with Barry Melrose to provide analysis and commentary. Cherry's fees for his ESPN appearances were donated to the Humane Society.
2008: Don Cherry Appears on "Holmes on Homes"
In 2008, Don Cherry made a non-scripted appearance on the popular home improvement show "Holmes on Homes". Living in the same neighborhood as the project, Cherry is seen conversing with host Mike Holmes about construction and the renovations being done at his brother-in-law's house.
2009: Cherry Comments on Ovechkin's Goal Celebration
Don Cherry's stance on goal celebrations continued to be a topic of discussion in 2009 when he commented on Alexander Ovechkin's celebration after scoring his 50th goal of the season.
March 2010: Release of "Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story"
In March 2010, a two-part CBC movie about Don Cherry's life, "Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story," aired.
December 7, 2010: Don Cherry's Controversial Speech at Toronto City Council
Don Cherry's speech at the Toronto City Council on December 7, 2010, sparked criticism for its divisive language. He targeted "left-wing pinkos" and expressed strong support for incoming Mayor Rob Ford, leading to protests from some councillors.
March 2012: Release of "The Wrath of Grapes: The Don Cherry Story II"
In March 2012, CBC aired "The Wrath of Grapes: The Don Cherry Story II," a sequel to the 2010 movie about Don Cherry's life.
2016: Don Cherry and Ron MacLean Receive Star on Canada's Walk of Fame
Don Cherry and his Coach's Corner co-host, Ron MacLean, were jointly honored with a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in 2016, recognizing their contributions to Canadian broadcasting and hockey commentary.
2018: Don Cherry completes 33 seasons of Coach's Corner
By 2018, Don Cherry and Ron MacLean had hosted Coach's Corner for 33 seasons.
2018: Don Cherry Denies Climate Change
In 2018, Don Cherry publicly denied the existence of climate change and used a derogatory term to label those who acknowledge it. This stance drew criticism, including from Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, who emphasized the importance of scientific consensus.
November 9, 2019: Don Cherry's Poppy Comments Spark Outrage
Don Cherry's comments on November 9, 2019, regarding immigrants and their perceived lack of support for veterans and Remembrance Day poppies sparked widespread condemnation. His remarks were deemed offensive and discriminatory, leading to apologies from Sportsnet and his co-host, Ron MacLean. The Royal Canadian Legion also denounced his statements, emphasizing their divisive nature.
November 16, 2019: Ron MacLean Addresses Don Cherry's Absence
During the November 16, 2019, broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada, Ron MacLean addressed Don Cherry's absence for the first time. He reflected on the incident that led to Cherry's departure and announced the end of their segment, Coach's Corner.
November 19, 2019: Don Cherry Launches Podcast
On November 19, 2019, Don Cherry debuted his podcast, Grapevine, marking his return to media after his departure from Sportsnet. In his first episode, Cherry claimed that Sportsnet's conditions for his return were unacceptable, making it impossible for him to rejoin the network.
2019: "Don Cherry's Grapeline" Comes to an End
After a successful run, "Don Cherry's Grapeline" came to an end in 2019.
2019: Don Cherry's tenure on Coach's Corner ends
Don Cherry's time on Coach's Corner ended in 2019 after 33 seasons.
2019: Don Cherry Criticizes Carolina Hurricanes
In 2019, Don Cherry sparked controversy by calling the Carolina Hurricanes players a "bunch of jerks" due to their on-ice victory celebrations. The Hurricanes embraced the label, adopting "Bunch of Jerks" as a rallying cry and projecting it onto the ice.
2020: Don Cherry Supports Donald Trump
Don Cherry expressed his support for Donald Trump during the 2020 United States presidential election.
