Legend Don Cherry announces surprise return to hockey scene for 2024-25 NHL season

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
October 10, 2024 (4:16 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Don Cherry is 5 years out from his removal from "Hockey Night in Canada" after being broadcast by CBC from 1981 to 2019.

He served as an analyst for the CBC in 1981 during the Stanley Cup playoffs, but would later be moved to his own segment called "Coaches Corner" in 1986.

That would be broadcasted during intermission during "Hockey Night In Canada" and this was before he would branch out for various segments and opportunities that he would offer his expertise on throughout his 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.[36]

Grapes has announced that he plans to return to us in addition to the 2024-2025 NHL regular starting up, Don Cherry plans to revive his "Grapeline" podcast to follow this season and offer his insights into the NHL this year.

This is exciting news for fans of Don Cherry and his contributions to Hockey Night in Canada.

He is a cultural institution in the game of hockey, and this year marks 5 years since he was removed from "Hockey Night in Canada". The removal unceremoniously occurred after remarks were made, and Sportsnet made a judgment call to do so.

Whether or not you agree with the decision, you can't deny the impact he's had on hockey, as a Coach, and as an analyst.

He will be reaching 90 years old this season and refuses to play by other's rules as this podcast will be on his own terms.

It'll be interesting to hear, and see what Grapes thinks about Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks future with him leading the way.