Signing commentator Don Cherry to a multiyear extension "was a no-brainer" for Rogers Media, as the "bluntly outspoken Cherry is undeniably the most iconic figure in Canadian broadcasting," according to Allan Muir of SI.com. Even at 82, he "remains the most vital part" of "HNIC," the "one must-see element of a program that has struggled to find a sweet spot since being taken over by Rogers" prior to the '14-15 season. Now if Rogers execs are "really smart, they'll restore Cherry and his long-time partner Ron MacLean to their former position of prominence on the broadcast" (SI.com, 6/7). THE HOCKEY NEWS' Jared Clinton wrote while Cherry's "old-school mentality can rub some people the wrong way, his is one of the must-see segments of the broadcast -- even if that’s sometimes only because of his often outlandish suits" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 6/7).
RETURN TRIP: In Ontario, Reg Clayton notes the city of Kenora will host Hockey Day in Canada on Feb. 18, which falls during the "centennial year of the NHL." McLean will "host the Sportsnet broadcast and there's optimism" that Cherry will "make an appearance in Kenora as well." More details surrounding the "four days of festivities and events kicking off on Wednesday, Feb. 15, leading up to the Sportsnet 13-hour Hockey Day in Canada national broadcast on Saturday, Feb. 18, will be announced in the coming months" (KENORA DAILY MINER & NEWS, 6/8).
