Don Cherry's hockey career is a fascinating journey through the ranks of professional ice hockey, marked by his time as a player and later as a coach. Born on February 5, 1934, in Kingston, Ontario, Cherry's early years in hockey were spent in the minor leagues, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation for his gritty style of play.
Cherry's professional playing career began in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played for several teams, including the Hershey Bears, Springfield Indians, and Rochester Americans. His tenure in the AHL was characterized by his role as a defenseman, known for his physical play and leadership on the ice. Despite never making a significant impact in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a player, Cherry's time in the AHL was instrumental in shaping his understanding of the game and his future career in coaching.
In 1955, Cherry joined the Hershey Bears, where he played for two seasons. His time with the Bears was followed by stints with the Springfield Indians and the Rochester Americans. It was with the Americans that Cherry found a degree of stability, playing with the team for several seasons and even winning the Calder Cup in 1965. His playing career, however, was often interrupted by injuries, which eventually led him to retire from playing in the early 1970s.
Transitioning from player to coach, Cherry found a new calling behind the bench. His coaching career began in the minor leagues, where he quickly gained a reputation for his motivational skills and his ability to get the best out of his players. In 1971, Cherry took on the role of head coach for the Rochester Americans, the same team he had played for. His success in the AHL as a coach did not go unnoticed, and it paved the way for his entry into the NHL coaching ranks.
Cherry's NHL coaching career began with the Boston Bruins in 1974. Under his leadership, the Bruins became known for their aggressive style of play, which mirrored Cherry's own playing days. His tenure with the Bruins was marked by several successful seasons, including two appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1977 and 1978. Although the Bruins did not win the championship during his time as coach, Cherry's influence on the team was undeniable, and he became a beloved figure in Boston.
After leaving the Bruins in 1979, Cherry briefly coached the Colorado Rockies during the 1979-1980 season. His time with the Rockies was short-lived, and he soon transitioned to a new phase of his career in broadcasting. Cherry's colorful personality and outspoken nature made him a natural fit for television, where he became a well-known commentator and analyst on "Hockey Night in Canada."
Throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, Don Cherry was known for his strong opinions and his deep love for the game of hockey.
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