Don Cherry comments on the passing of Dale Hawerchuk.

The hockey world was saddened last week when we all learned of the passing of former National Hockey League star Dale Hawerchuk. Hawerchuk, who was far too young to go at just 57 years of age, had been battling cancer, a terrible disease that has claimed far too many lives, for some time and despite completing a stage of chemotherapy he eventually lost that battle on August 18th. 

Many have commented on the passing of the legendary Hawerchuk but given that he no longer has a platform on the National Hockey League's broadcast, long time NHL analyst Don Cherry finally got the chance to do so when he released his podcast earlier today. Unsurprisingly the first topic on the mind of the veteran analyst was the passing of Hawerchuk, a man that Cherry had nothing but kind words to say about.

"One of the class guys," said Cherry with emotion in his voice. "That is the word I use when I think of him, class, Dale Hawerchuk."

Cherry, who was obviously trying to compose himself, pointed out that he had written out an incredible list of Hawerchuk's accomplishments in the sport of hockey, and he of course began to list them all one by one.

"He played for the Cornwall Royals in the Quebec league... 103 points he had his very first year, 183 points his second year, he won back to back Memorial Cups," said Cherry with admiration in his voice. 

He then continued:

"Back to back memorial cups wins, only two teams have done it since, won rookie of the year, Jon Beliveau Trophy for the top scorer in the Q, player of the year in the Q, Memorial Cup MVP, CHL player of the year, first overall by the Winnipeg Jets, he won rookie of the year that year, he had over 100 points that year and over 103 points the next year," added Cherry.

Cherry stopped listing the accolades for a moment and chimed in, a smile in his voice, "And everybody liked him too."

Cherry's admiration for Hawerchuk was on full display during the opening moments of his podcast and he summed it up nicely.

"It is unbelievable what this guy had... first player to reach 1000 points (in the NHL) by the age of 31."

Last but not least Cherry even had some kind things to say about Hawerchuk's career as a coach with the Barrie Colts. 

"He was a good coach, he wanted to stay in junior. I saw an interview with him on TV and he said he wanted to give back to the game, he was a class guy."

"Dale Hawerchuk when I think of him I think of class."