Don Cherry was a former ice hockey player, coach, and commentator known for his controversial and outspoken persona. Throughout his career, he became particularly known for his commentary on hockey fights. Here is an overview of Don Cherry’s views on hockey fights, along with some frequently asked questions and detailed answers.
FAQ 1: What are Don Cherry’s views on hockey fights?
Answer: Don Cherry was a proponent of fighting in hockey, believing it served as a way to police the game and keep players accountable for their actions on the ice. He often defended the importance of fighting as a part of the game’s culture and argued that it brought a sense of toughness and intimidation.
FAQ 2: Did Cherry support all fights in hockey?
Answer: No, Don Cherry did not support all fights in hockey. He believed in the concept of the “code” among players, where fights were acceptable to defend a teammate, seek retribution for a previous incident, or spark momentum for the team. However, he criticized unnecessary fights that lacked purpose or occurred solely for entertainment.
FAQ 3: How did Cherry respond to critics who opposed fighting in hockey?
Answer: Don Cherry adamantly defended his stance on fighting, often dismissing critics as out of touch with the physicality and tradition of the sport. He argued that those who opposed fighting failed to understand that it served a purpose in protecting skilled players from cheap shots and dangerous plays.
FAQ 4: Did Cherry ever address concerns about player safety in fights?
Answer: While acknowledging the risks involved, Don Cherry firmly believed that the majority of fights in hockey were relatively safe due to the enforcement of unwritten rules. He emphasized that players were trained to protect themselves and that referees were quick to intervene if a fight got out of control, ensuring safety remained a priority.
FAQ 5: Did Cherry’s views on hockey fights evolve over time?
Answer: Don Cherry’s views on fighting in hockey remained relatively consistent throughout his career. Despite changing attitudes towards fighting in the sport, he remained a staunch advocate, often expressing his disappointment when fighting was penalized or discouraged by league officials.
FAQ 6: How influential was Cherry in shaping public opinion on hockey fights?
Answer: Don Cherry’s influential presence as a commentator on “Coach’s Corner” during the intermission of Hockey Night in Canada games allowed him to reach millions of viewers every week. His passionate support of fighting in hockey undoubtedly shaped public opinion to some extent, garnering both support and criticism from fans and players alike.
FAQ 7: What impact did Cherry’s commentary have on the NHL’s approach to fighting?
Answer: While it’s challenging to measure direct influence, Don Cherry’s commentary played a role in keeping the conversation around fighting in hockey alive. Though the NHL has taken steps to reduce fighting in recent years, Cherry’s unwavering support helped maintain the debate and ensured that fighting remained a significant aspect of the sport’s identity.
BOTTOM LINE: Don Cherry was an influential figure who staunchly defended the presence of fighting in hockey throughout his career. While his views may be controversial to some, there is no denying the impact he had in shaping public opinion on the subject and the ongoing discussion surrounding hockey fights.
