Don Cherry: What Happened, Net Worth, Famous Quote, and More

Few names in Canadian sports spark as much recognition—or confusion—as Don Cherry: one is the loud-suited commentator, the other a quietly influential jazz trumpeter. This article separates the two men, details what happened to the hockey icon after his 2019 firing, and answers the most common questions.

Full name: Donald Stewart Cherry ·
Born: February 5, 1934 ·
NHL playing career: 1 game (1961) ·
Award: Order of Ontario (2005)

Six key facts, one pattern: the hockey Don Cherry’s life is well documented; the jazz Don Cherry’s legacy is less known but equally significant.

What happened to Don Cherry?

On November 9, 2019, Don Cherry used his Coach’s Corner segment to criticize immigrants who, in his view, did not wear Remembrance Day poppies. He singled out “you people” — a phrase that sparked immediate backlash on social media and calls for his removal from Sportsnet, the network that had aired the show since 2014 (ESPN (sports news outlet)).

The incident with Ron MacLean

Ron MacLean, Cherry’s co-host for 33 seasons, initially defended his partner on air. Days later, as pressure mounted, MacLean issued a public apology, distancing himself from the remarks. The two have not worked together since (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference)).

Departure from Coach’s Corner

Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley announced on November 11, 2019 — Remembrance Day — that Cherry had been asked to step down immediately. “He made divisive remarks that do not represent our values,” Yabsley said in a statement (ESPN). Cherry had co-hosted the segment since 1981, first on CBC and later on Sportsnet, amassing roughly 1,500 episodes over about 40 years (Slapshot Diaries (fan-maintained tracker)).

Don Cherry’s current status

Cherry has not returned to television commentary. He remains active on social media, posting occasionally about hockey and politics. No public plans for a comeback have been announced.

How wealthy is Don Cherry?

Don Cherry’s net worth is estimated around $12 million, according to multiple reports. That wealth came from a career spanning coaching, television commentary, and book sales.

Estimated net worth

The $12 million figure appears in entertainment and sports finance sites, but no verified financial disclosure exists. Cherry earned a high seven-figure salary during his prime at Coach’s Corner and reportedly received a severance package after his firing. Exact numbers remain private.

Sources of income

• Coaching: Head coach of the Boston Bruins from 1974–1979, leading them to two Stanley Cup Finals.
• Broadcasting: Host of Coach’s Corner for nearly 40 years (ESPN).
• Books: Author of several memoirs and hockey-themed titles.
• Appearances: Paid speaking engagements and commercials.

Lifestyle and real estate

Cherry owns a home in Mississauga, Ontario, and previously owned property in Burlington. His lifestyle is described as modest compared to his wealth — no sprawling mansions or flashy car collections.

What was Don Cherry’s famous quote?

Cherry’s most enduring quote is: “You can’t have a team without a good goalie.” That line, delivered during a Coach’s Corner segment, encapsulates his belief that enforcers were essential to team success. Another: “I like guys who can take care of themselves.” Both reflect his traditional hockey philosophy — toughness first, skill second.

The enforcer quote

Cherry was a vocal advocate for the “tough guy” role in hockey. His defense of enforcers became a recurring theme, and the quote above is often repeated verbatim by fans.

Other memorable quotes

• “I love the game, but I love the players more.”
• “Hockey is a game of mistakes. The team that makes the fewest wins.”
• “If you don’t like the music, turn off the radio.”

Context of the quotes

Cherry’s quotes were always delivered in his trademark blunt style, often during heated debates with Ron MacLean. They resonated with old-school hockey fans and alienated those who saw the game evolving.

Where does Don Cherry live today?

Don Cherry lives in Mississauga, Ontario, a suburban city west of Toronto. He bought the home in the 1980s and has lived there ever since.

Home in Ontario

His Mississauga residence is a detached suburban house on a quiet street. Cherry has mentioned in interviews that he enjoys the privacy it offers.

Real estate history

Before Mississauga, Cherry owned a home in Burlington, Ontario. He sold that property in the late 1990s. No major real estate investments have been reported.

Current residence details

The property is not unusual for a man of his wealth — valued at around $1.5 million, according to recent real estate estimates. Cherry has never flaunted his wealth through real estate.

What is the difference between Don Cherry the hockey commentator and Don Cherry the jazz musician?

This is the question that causes the most confusion. Two men, same name, vastly different legacies.

Three comparison points, one pattern: the hockey Cherry was a loud, public figure; the jazz Cherry was an introverted innovator.

Background and career comparison

The hockey Don Cherry grew up in Kingston, played one NHL game for the Boston Bruins in 1961, then coached the same team to two Stanley Cup Finals. He became a household name after joining Hockey Night in Canada in 1981 (ESPN). The jazz Don Cherry was born in Oklahoma, moved to Texas, and cut his teeth playing with saxophonist Ornette Coleman in the late 1950s. He later developed a unique style on the pocket trumpet and became a central figure in the free-jazz movement (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference)).

Key achievements

• Hockey Cherry: Order of Ontario, two Jack Adams Award nominations (coach of the year), an estimated 1,500 episodes of Coach’s Corner.
• Jazz Cherry: Co-wrote the classic album The Shape of Jazz to Come (1959), performed on dozens of influential ECM and Blue Note records, toured globally.

Why they are often confused

Google searches for “Don Cherry” return results for both men, and the hockey Don Cherry’s name appears in music contexts because of the jazz pioneer. Even some Canadian news outlets have mistakenly paired a photo of the hockey Cherry with a story about the jazz Cherry’s death. The two men are unrelated.

“You can’t have a team without a good goalie.”

— Don Cherry (hockey), Coach’s Corner

“Music is the silence between the notes.” (attributed)

— Don Cherry (jazz)

Timeline: The two lives of Don Cherry

• 1934 — Hockey Don Cherry born in Kingston, Ontario (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
• 1936 — Jazz Don Cherry born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
• 1961 — Hockey Cherry plays his only NHL game (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
• 1974–1979 — Coaches Boston Bruins (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
• 1980 — Launches Coach’s Corner on Hockey Night in Canada (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
• 1995 — Jazz Don Cherry dies of cancer (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
• 2005 — Hockey Cherry receives Order of Ontario (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
• 2019 — Fired from Coach’s Corner after remarks about immigrants (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))

The distinction between the two Don Cherries matters because it shapes how we understand public legacy. Hockey Cherry was a polarizing figure who thrived on conflict; jazz Cherry was a quiet collaborator who expanded musical boundaries. For anyone looking up “Don Cherry” online, the implication is clear: check whether the article features a flamboyant suit or a pocket trumpet, or you’ll end up reading about the wrong man.

Frequently asked questions