Don Cherry earns Ontario’s highest honour after a lifetime in hockey
Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
Former NHL coach and broadcaster Don Cherry has received Ontario's highest honour as he was anointed the Order of Ontario which got a lot of praise from fans.
The voice of hockey for generations, at least when it came to voicing his opinions, Don Cherry is known as a legend in the game for his boisterous attitude, staunch loyalist attitude and a staple in Canadian homes during Hockey Night in Canada.
But after a controversial parting of ways with Sportsnet, Cherry retired from TV and focused on his podcast, which he would step away from in 2025/2026 and is looking to enjoy the rest of his life in relative quietness.
Don Cherry receives Order of Ontario as province recognizes his contributions
Well, he may need to wait a little for the noise to die down as Cherry was named to the Order of Ontario in recognition for his contribution to Ontario society, with the province releasing a statement regarding the decision:
A prominent Canadian hockey figure, Don Cherry is known for his influential coaching career, bold broadcasting style and decades of dedication to the sport.
After coaching the Boston Bruins, he became a defining voice on Hockey Night in Canada through Coach’s Corner. Cherry is also recognized for extensive philanthropy, supporting the military and police, youth sports and animal welfare through Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation.
He founded Rose Cherry’s Home for Kids and is a strong advocate for organ donation. In 2004, he was ranked the seventh-greatest Canadian in CBC’s The Greatest Canadian.
After coaching the Boston Bruins, he became a defining voice on Hockey Night in Canada through Coach’s Corner. Cherry is also recognized for extensive philanthropy, supporting the military and police, youth sports and animal welfare through Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation.
He founded Rose Cherry’s Home for Kids and is a strong advocate for organ donation. In 2004, he was ranked the seventh-greatest Canadian in CBC’s The Greatest Canadian.
There was some controversy earlier this year when Cherry was not nominated for the Order of Canada, with many wondering why he was left out though this latest accolade may be one step closer to receiving that distinction.
Fans finally get their wish as 'Grapes' gets his flowers
Keeping with the sports world as well, Ed Rogers; executive chair of Rogers Communications, chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and chair of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment also received a nomination.
After leaving Hockey Night in Canada, Cherry had his own podcast that ran from 2019 until 2025 when Cherry retired, opting to relax and enjoy life at 92 years old.
Fans were elated that 'Grapes' was finally getting his due:
Say what you will about his political stance or how things went down, you cannot argue the cultural legacy that Cherry has left on all hockey fans and his Coach's Corner segment often brought light to things that would go unnoticed.
Congratulations are in order for Don Cherry, no doubt. Receiving the Order of Ontario is no easy feat and it's a well-deserved recognition for a Canadian legend.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 17|1217 ANSWERS Don Cherry earns Ontario’s highest honour after a lifetime in hockey Do you think Don Cherry deserves the Order of Canada? | ||
| Yes | 959 | 78.8 % |
| No | 258 | 21.2 % |
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