Why Don Cherry Would Be An Awesome Blogger
November 9, 2006 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Columns, NHL Business
Famous hockey commentator, Don Cherry has received some negative publicity recently regarding some remarks he made about French and European hockey players. For those of you who have religiously watched Coaches Corner on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, you know that Cherry is no stranger to controversy.
After this recent event, I got to thinking that Don Cherry would make an excellent Blogger.
Cherry, who is affectionately known by his legions of Canadian fans as “Grapes”, has many of the qualities of a great blogger. I am certain that several of these qualities are what has kept him on the air for so many years and made Coach’s Corner a “must see” for so many hockey fans.
Here are the 5 reasons why Don Cherry would be an awesome blogger:
- Passion - He is probably one of the most passionate hockey people on earth.
- Authority - As a former NHL Coach and Professional player he has credentials to back up his opinions and beliefs.
- Controversy - Cherry does not shy away from controversy and typically will engage in debates, taking a stance that may not be popular. This makes for great “link bait”.
- Charisma - His natural charm and straight forward approach make him a popular figure in a world that is sometimes too politically correct.
- Influence - His extreme popularity in the hockey world and across Canada, make it very easy for him to influence others.
All of these things in combination make for a top notch blog and Don Cherry has them all!
UPDATE: February 1/2007 - It looks as though CBC has taken my advice. Don Cherry will be online at CBC!
thehockeychick on Thu, 9th Nov 2006 5:02 pm
I totally agree. Not only would it make for an interesting read, it would help me feel connected to HNIC and “Coaches Corner”. Being in the states, you rarely get to watch unless you have the hockey package and catch a game hosted by CBC.
Not that “Grapes” holds back in front of the camera, but expressing his opinions via blogging would open up a whole new freedom of speech.
National Hockey League Digest » NHL Hockey Link Love on Thu, 16th Nov 2006 2:12 pm
[...] Here is a little piece of heaven from NHL Digest on why Don Cherry would be an awesome blogger. [...]
National Hockey League Digest » NHL Digest Hockey Links on Sun, 4th Feb 2007 1:19 pm
[...] CBC must have read our article on why we think Don Cherry would be an awesome blogger! Grapes is going online and interactive in what should be an entertaining website. [...]
Don Cherry Coach’s Corner | National Hockey League Digest on Mon, 5th Mar 2007 8:20 am
[...] Last night on Hockey Night in Canada, Don Cherry came up with a great idea to remove all hits to the head in the National Hockey League. He also talked about Tom Preissing and Brian Campbell’s little love connection during the brawl last Saturday night. [...]
Maria Ricci-O'Donnell on Sat, 17th Mar 2007 8:30 pm
Hello Mr. Cherry,
My son is a huge hockey fan - lives and breathes it. He idolizes the Maple Leafs, plays hockey at every opportunity and watches every game.
This past week he was in a 3 day hockey camp at the Leafs practice facility. It just so happened that the Leafs had a practice on one of their camp days. We were told we could show up before the camp and watch them practice. My son was so excited he had trouble sleeping that night.
Well what a disappointment it turned out to be. After the practice there were approximately 20 kids eagerly waiting for the players in hopes for their autographs. All I can say is that most (not all) of the players behaved like the presence of those children was a huge inconvenience. Specifically, my son sports number 24 (McCabe) on his Maple Leaf jersey. Brian McCabe was coming his way…no other kids were around. My husband politely asked him if he could sign his jersey. My son stood there and said hello with a huge smile on his face and his jacket open. Brian basically took the pen, signed the jersey with absolutely no expression or acknowledgement. Not a smile…not a word…nothing. My sons excitement took a quick turn.
This was only one scenario….most players were trying to dart through the lobby to avoid any delays. Raycroft took one look at the crowd and said “I don’t have time” and took the back door. For the players who did go through the crowd, there was no interaction, no smiles…quite frankly they looked “bothered”. We are talking 20 kids here not an uncontrollable crowd. These children see these players as heroes. What a huge letdown it was for them. My son came home that night and said, “Mom, it’s ok if you wash my jersey. That signature doesn’t mean much to me. I don’t think McCabe was very nice.” Before he went to bed he changed his mind and said, “Well maybe he was just in a hurry because he had a flight to catch.” He was trying to justify why that happened!
Mr. Cherry, I share this with you because of your passion and spirit for the game. I know that had you observed what I described here, you would have been just as disappointed perhaps even ashamed. As a player and public figure, it is important to effectively represent your team both on and off the ice. And although the pay cheque is a huge motivator, think we need to remember that the fans (big, small and corporate) are the reason hockey is such a success and tradition in our city.
Thank you for listening and I hope that my son’s next experience with his hockey heroes is a more positive and memorable one.