Don Cherry will remain sitting pretty in Coach’s Corner despite Rogers Communications purchasing the rights to broadcast Canadian NHL games.
Rogers agreed to the $5.2-billion deal on Nov. 26, the largest deal in NHL history. Rogers was interested in purchasing the game broadcasting rights so games and other sports content could be more accessible on other Rogers’s devices.
Rogers also agreed to sub-licence CBC for four years, which will allow games to be aired on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights. But here is the catch: Rogers will have editorial control and will decide which games will be aired and what content is shown in between.
At 79 years old, Cherry has been running the show for a while and does not seem too concerned about his fate. In an open comment to CBC, Rogers, and everyone else watching, Cherry said, “I know I’m good . . . I know everybody watches . . . So all I’m saying is take it easy, don’t try to ruin a good thing. Just leave us alone, and we’ll be just as good next year.”
Cherry has been known to be controversial at times for more than his outfit choices.
Canadians have a love/hate relationship with Cherry’s loud and bold opinions regarding the game and how it should be played.
This is Cherry’s character on the show, which makes it even more entertaining when he is yelling passionately over his co-host.
Coach’s Corner does not seem to be broken, so why would Rogers fix it now?
Fans continue the tradition of watching Hockey Night in Canada, whether they like it all the time or not. Rogers would be mad to drop that kind of loyal viewership.
But, with editorial control, Rogers may change the beloved hockey night.
Should Rogers cut Cherry’s program or have him change in any drastic way, Hockey Night in Canada would not be the same.
It is also possible that Rogers could pull a panel of experts from Sportsnet, its sports specialty channel, and sit them next to Cherry and MacLean. Cherry and MacLean’s voices might get lost under the new generation of commentators.
The truth is, Don Cherry does not belong to Rogers or CBC. He belongs to hockey fans watching Coach’s Corner. The viewers typically determine if Cherry should be on air, what topics he should discuss, and trust his commentary because they are the ones tuning in weekly and giving the show its ratings.
Even Rogers’ chief executive Nadir Mohamed told Don Cherry that he used to watch Hockey Night in Canada and Coach’s Corner all the time, contributing to its popularity.
After four years, however, Rogers will have to decide whether they will renew their contract with CBC, including Hockey Night in Canada, or not.
Until then, no plans for changes to the program have been announced.
Cherry has a pre-existing relationship with Rogers. His radio show has aired on Rogers-owned radio stations for 25 years. He says he has never been bothered by them, and is not concerned now.
Viewers can probably expect the same old Hockey Night in Canada that they know and love. The deal kicks in next hockey season. Cherry has only made the one comment regarding the Rogers deal on air, and has yet to say anything else.
Canadians have been faithful viewers of Saturday night hockey games and Coach’s Corner. Cherry and MacLean help make lasting memories and have become part of many families’ Saturday night traditions.
This means as long as Canadians will have him, Cherry will be there.
Cherry is a “good Canadian kid” but says he feels “unsure” about what change may come with the new deal with Rogers.
Despite Cherry’s loud personality, the program will continue to air as usual unless Rogers plans otherwise.