Ron MacLean responds to rumours of Don Cherry's retirement, firing from Sportsnet
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Reports surfaced earlier this offseason that Don Cherry would be officially retiring from hockey broadcasting at 91 years old, sparking some thoughts from his former Hockey Night colleague Ron MacLean.
A frail-sounding Don Cherry appeared to sign off for the final time on his GrapeVine Podcast earlier this offseason, but now there's some indication Cherry may not be done.
Ron MacLean comments on Don Cherry's reported retirement, leaving Hockey Night in Canada
Don Cherry has since reached out to say it was not meant to be the final sign-off for his podcast.
In a new interview with the Kingston Whig, Ron MacLean said Cherry will continue until it's no longer possible, but the hockey icon was ready to leave TV after a health scare during the 2018-19 playoffs.
It's a question for Don,» MacLean said in an interview this week. «He becomes attached to things and doesn't like to let go.»
I think that pneumonia scare was it. The pneumonia said to Don, 'It's time.' He had to think, 'Why is this grind suddenly so hard?' He was ready to have an exit strategy. From that moment on, he was plotting a way out.
- Ron MacLean
I think that pneumonia scare was it. The pneumonia said to Don, 'It's time.' He had to think, 'Why is this grind suddenly so hard?' He was ready to have an exit strategy. From that moment on, he was plotting a way out.
- Ron MacLean
Just before Remembrance Day in 2019, Cherry delivered his infamous poppy rant that would lead to his firing from Sportsnet. MacLean says that's exactly how Cherry wanted to go out.
Ultimately, that's what needed to happen. It was liberating. Don needed out and the time was right. (Remembrance Day) was his last swing, taking a stance that's unpopular, but that feels good in his world. For Don, it's all a fight. It's all a battle. So he was happy and I'm happy for him.
- Ron MacLean
- Ron MacLean
After Cherry's departure and while MacLean continued on at Sportsnet, there were some rumours of a feud between the longtime co-hosts. That looks to be far from the truth, as MacLean and Cherry are still close.
Though both may be symbolic of a past era in hockey, Coach's Corner was a formative hockey experience for so many Canadian
NHL fans. It's great to see the two are on good terms, and still can't imagine a life without hockey.
NHL fans. It's great to see the two are on good terms, and still can't imagine a life without hockey.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 12 | 460 ANSWERS Ron MacLean responds to rumours of Don Cherry's retirement, firing from Sportsnet Do you think Cherry needed to be let go by Hockey Night in Canada? | ||
| Yes | 91 | 19.8 % |
| No | 369 | 80.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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