CBC press release
Toronto, February 19, 2011—CBC today announced that hockey’s best-known personality has renewed his contract with Hockey Night in Canada through the 2011-2012 National Hockey League season.
“We’re delighted to announce that the venerable hockey icon Don Cherry has signed on for another season and will continue to provide hockey’s liveliest and sometimes provocative commentary,” says Kirstine Stewart, executive vice-president of CBC English Services. “Don has been a part of the CBC Hockey Night in Canada family since 1980, generating passion and debate among hockey fans everywhere. Hockey Night in Canada, with Don at the desk for its 59th season, will continue to bring the very best of hockey programming on all of its platforms to Canadians everywhere.”
Don will continue to team up with host and longtime partner Ron MacLean for the most-watched segment on Canadian sports television, Coach’s Corner, each Saturday and throughout the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“We join millions of fans in congratulating Don on his new contract and wishing him continued success as the declarative voice of CBC’s definitive hockey broadcast,” says NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Don’s knowledge of the sport is exceeded only by his love for it and we are proud of his enduring connection with the game and the National Hockey League. He truly is one of a kind, and it is an honour to consider him a friend.”
The terms of Mr. Cherry’s contract were not disclosed.
PHOTO: Cherry on top of hockey for another year. Don Cherry, centre, host of Coach’s Corner on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, celebrates his new contract with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, left, and Kirstine Stewart, executive vice-president of CBC English Services.