It’s official, Don Cherry is BACK for 2019-20 NHL season

Despite some reports that Rogers, Sportsnet and CBC were pulling the plug on 85 year old broadcaster Don Cherry, the man himself has confirmed that he’ll be back behind the desk for another season of Coach’s Corner in 2019-20.

Toronto Sun journalist Steve Simmons reported earlier this week that Cherry’s return for next season hadn’t been confirmed, leading to speculation that Cherry’s career was over. Not so, says Grapes. And frankly, he’s annoyed at Simmons for even suggesting it.

“I was told during the playoffs, ‘Well, we’re looking forward Don to next year,’ by the three bosses," says Cherry. "They were happy with Coach’s Corner and the whole deal and all of a sudden [Simmons] writes this, which was very disappointing. He’s got my number, he could’ve phoned and I would’ve told him that, it was no problem at all.”

In his column Simmons wrote:

“Rogers is cutting all over the place, which included the removal of Bob McCown on radio and television and Doug MacLean doing the same. Cherry is handsomely compensated for his work. Not sure if this is a place they want to go with the 85-year-old.”

Cherry, affectionately known as Grapes, will indeed be back with Hockey Night in Canada’s host Ron MacLean and will anchor the show’s first period intermission for the foreseeable future, just as he has every Saturday since 1986.

“Once I’m not excited and I’m not having fun, then why do it?” he said. “At my age I don’t really have to do it but I always look forward to it.”

“Every Saturday, I’m excited.”

Us too, Grapes. *Thumbs up*