Former NHL broadcaster Don Cherry announces surprising return for the 2024-25 season

PUBLICATION

Hunter Bowman
October 10, 2024 (9:56 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Former NHL broadcaster Don Cherry, has parted ways with CBC «Hockey Night in Canada» for five years now after being with them from 1981 to 2019.

Cherry served as an analyst for CBC back in 1981 during the Stanley Cup playoffs, but would later get his own segment called «Coaches Corner» in 1986.

The «Coaches Corner» segment would take place during the intermission of Hockey Night in Canada, ultimately leading to other segments and opportunities for Cherry throughout his broadcasting career.

Branching out from his Hockey Night in Canada duties, Cherry began to release a series of videos called Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'em Hockey in 1989. The 15th-anniversary video was released in 2003, with a 'Best Of' released in 2005. For the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, NBC decided to feature Cherry in its intermission coverage, a rare appearance on American television. He was partnered with Bill Clement and Brett Hull and it did not conflict with his usual role on CBC as he appeared on NBC during the second intermission.[citation needed]

In May 2008, ESPN announced that Cherry was joining Barry Melrose as a commentator for the remainder of the 2008 NHL Playoffs. He provided pre-game analysis for the conference finals, pre- and post-game analysis for the Stanley Cup finals, and appeared on ESPNews and ESPN Radio. ESPN also announced that he would donate his fees to the Humane Society.

However, after being away from the hockey scene for about five years, Cherry announced that he plans to return for the 2024-25 NHL regular season, starting back up his «Grapeline» podcast to this season and offer his insights into the NHL this year.

Definitely some exciting news for Don Cherry fans, considering many believe he never did anything wrong when Sportsnet decided to part ways with him.

This year officially marks five years since Cherry was removed from Hockey Night in Canada, due to some inappropriate remarks, ultimately leaving Sportsnet no choice but to part ways with him.

Despite what people think, or if they agree or disagree with the decision, it's hard to deny that Cherry has had a great impact on the hockey world as a coach and analyst.

Don is close to being 90-years old this year and knowing him he will refuse to play by others rules as this podcast with be completely on his own terms.

It will definitely be interesting to hear what he has to say about the controversy surrounding the New York Rangers and Igor Shesterkin's contract negotiations.