In a nation often swayed by consensus, the voice of hockey icon Don Cherry has long stood out as a defiant roar of patriotism and plain speaking. As part of a series celebrating Canadian greatness, commentator Michael Taube highlights Cherry's unique role as a cultural figure who consistently championed core values without apology.
The Voice Against the Grain
Taube argues that Canada has frequently been dominated by a groupthink mentality, particularly from left-leaning circles that promote political correctness and expansive government. He suggests this trend accelerated during events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests. In this climate, figures willing to speak hard truths became essential. Don Cherry, in Taube's view, emerged as perhaps the bravest champion of free speech in the country.
Cherry's persona, forged in hockey arenas and broadcast into living rooms for decades, represented a specific kind of Canadian identity. He was, as Taube describes, a "Canadian's Canadian," whose love for the country was expressed through a direct, unfiltered lens. This approach inevitably sparked controversy, but Cherry accepted the criticism as the cost of honesty.
A Populist Pulpit on Coach's Corner
Cherry's platform was the immensely popular Coach's Corner segment on Hockey Night in Canada, which began in 1982. While the show was ostensibly about hockey, Cherry used it to opine on far more. He connected with "blue collar guys," expressed unwavering support for the military and police, and took aim at what he called the "left-wing media" and "Perrier-drinking elites."
His commentary was famously colourful. He referred to climate change supporters as "cuckaloos" and used terms like "left-wing pinkos." He once criticized the media's differing treatment of NFL players taking a knee versus quarterback Tim Tebow's faith-based gestures, stating Christians were "open season." This consistent, right-of-centre viewpoint made him a thorn in the side of the Laurentian elite and, Taube contends, is why he has been passed over for the Order of Canada.
The Cost of Speaking Out
Cherry's steadfast approach ultimately led to a professional reckoning. In November 2019, months before the pandemic, his on-air comments about newcomers and the tradition of wearing poppies ignited a firestorm. In a country growing increasingly sensitive to multicultural nuances, the backlash was swift. The incident marked the end of his long-running segment, a high price paid for his brand of patriotism.
Michael Taube's column frames this not as a failure, but as a testament to Cherry's consistency. He never ran for office, yet wielded significant cultural influence. He never apologized for his views, believing he was defending the values of everyday Canadians. In an era of shifting norms, Don Cherry remains, for better or worse, a symbol of unvarnished opinion and tough love for the nation he proudly represents.
