Don Cherry Rips Into NHL for Outrageous Training Camps, Says It's Time for Change

PUBLICATION

Daniel Lucente
October 22, 2024 (11:24)

SHARE THIS STORY

Don Cherry isn't a fan of how long it takes for the NHL season to get started, and he made his stance known by ripping into the unnecessarily long training camps.

Don Cherry was a household name, being the former head coach of the Boston Bruins and long-time host of "Hockey Night in Canada," due not only to his knowledge about hockey but for his frank opinions and outgoing character with bright suits. His frank expressions have made him polarizing, admired and criticized by hockey fans and media alike.

After being cut loose from television in November of 2019, Cherry moved onto the world of podcasting with "Grapevine," a play off his popular nickname "Grapes." He may not be a staple on CBC or Sportsnet any longer, but Cherry remains very active, using his podcast to speak his mind about the sport he loves.

On a recent "Grapevine," he took a shot at the NHL training camps scheduling. He thinks that they are too short, which may be one of the reasons for the increasing number of injuries within the players. And true to his form, Cherry certainly didn't hold back in taking a firm stand and jabbing his finger at the short camps as the most critical factor in terms of player safety.

"There's like close to 100 guys on the injured list now in the national holidays, 100, I don't know. Why do you think that is that?" he asked.There's a difference between being in game shape and practice shape. And how would I say this? You don't push the players too far, or they go, just quit on you," he continued. "I think the training camp is too short. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that they only have three or four days to get ready and they're right into the game. Yeah, they're right into exhibition games."

- Don Cherry

Never one to mince words, Cherry has not shied away from his belief that longer training camps serve players best and ultimately reduce injuries. Predictably, his argument has fired up debate among fans and analysts over just how athletes best prepare for the NHL grind.

Despite being an icon in Canadian broadcasting, his career has also not been without controversy; in 2019, he was promptly removed from "Hockey Night in Canada" due to comments about immigrants and the poppies during Remembrance Day. Sure, his remarks were unpopular with some, but he did retain a very devoted base that indeed shared his sentiments. Don Cherry's silence from television hasn't really kept him out of the hockey conversation, the podcast he hosts ensures he remains one of the key players in the hockey world.