Wednesday marked Don Cherry’s 80th birthday, which is cause to celebrate.
The Hockey Night in Canada commentator is one of the most beloved Canadian sports figures and never ceases to generate headlines stemming from his passionate opinions.
In the hockey world, Cherry shares a birthday with six-time Stanley Cup champ Larry Hillman, Florida Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky, former Edmonton Oiler Linus Omark, former NHLer Richard Matvichuk, St. Louis Blues prospect Ty Rattie and Ernie McLea, the first person to register a hat trick in the Stanley Cup.
The Kingston, Ont., native also happens to share a birthday with baseball legend Hank Aaron, former Toronto Blue Jay Roberto Alomar, and soccer superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
So, in honour of this milestone birthday, here are some memorable photos and rants from Grapes.
Cherry at his finest…
If you haven’t heard, Don is one smooth dude…
Piano desk…
You’re my boy, Blue!
The Russians are coming…
This should make Flames fans happy…
In one of his most famous rants, Cherry breaks down the epic brawl between Team Canada and Team Russia at the 1987 world juniors…
Cherry with his buddy Bobby Orr…
Although his suit jacket suggests he’s auditioning for a spot in Ladysmith Black Mambazo, this is Cherry ranting about Sidney Crosby…
A patented thumbs up…
Hey, Buttercup! Take off your visor…
Cherry seen here with an unknown mayor of a major Canadian city…
Don’t rub it it…
Cherry was a passionate former owner and coach of the OHL’s Mississauga IceDogs…
On the Blue Jays, Canadians being the best and Eric Lindros not wanting to play for the Quebec Nordiques…
