Don Cherry, 92, receives Order of Ontario appointment
Don Cherry, 92, receives Order of Ontario appointment
In a move that has sparked both widespread celebration and renewed debate across the country, the Ontario government has officially appointed legendary hockey broadcaster and coach Don Cherry to the Order of Ontario. At 92 years old, the man affectionately known as Grapes has been named among 30 new appointees to the province’s highest civilian honour, recognizing his decades of influence on Canadian sports culture and his extensive philanthropic efforts.
Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont announced the 2025 class of appointees on Tuesday, highlighting individuals whose service, leadership, and achievements have strengthened communities throughout the province. Cherry, a mainstay of Canadian television for nearly 40 years, was joined on the list by other notable figures, including Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment chair Edward Rogers.
A Legacy Built on Hockey and Philanthropy
The formal citation for Cherry’s appointment describes him as a prominent Canadian hockey figure celebrated for his influential coaching career and bold broadcasting style. Before becoming a household name on television, Cherry enjoyed a successful 16-season career as a professional minor league defenseman, winning the Calder Cup four times. He later transitioned to coaching, leading the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup Finals and earning NHL Coach of the Year honours in 1976.
However, it was his 39-year tenure as the co-host of Coach's Corner on Hockey Night in Canada that cemented his status as a national icon. Known for his high-collared shirts, flamboyant suits, and unfiltered opinions, Cherry became the defining voice of hockey for generations of fans. Beyond the rink, the provincial government emphasized Cherry’s significant charitable contributions, including:
Controversy and the Path to the Honour
The decision to award Cherry the province’s highest honour comes seven years after his controversial departure from Sportsnet in 2019. Cherry was removed from his broadcast role following on-air remarks regarding Remembrance Day poppies that were widely criticized as being disparaging toward immigrants. While the incident remains a point of contention for some, Premier Doug Ford has been a vocal supporter of the appointment, revealing that he personally put Cherry’s name forward for the award.
Premier Ford defended the decision during a media availability at Queen’s Park, noting that Cherry has given back to minor hockey and charitable organizations for decades. The Premier suggested that despite past controversies, Cherry maintains massive support among the public, particularly in the hockey community. This provincial recognition follows Cherry receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal last year, further signaling a formal embrace of his lifetime contributions by the current administration.
Refining a National Icon’s Final Chapter
For Don Cherry, this appointment arrives as he enjoys a quieter life in Mississauga. Following his exit from television, he continued to share his views via the Don Cherry’s Grapevine Podcast alongside his son, Tim, which produced over 300 episodes before concluding in June 2025. Recent reports have noted the 92-year-old’s increasing frailty, but friends and colleagues say he was elated to receive news of the appointment.
The 2025 appointees will be formally invested into the Order of Ontario during a special ceremony scheduled to take place in Toronto in 2026. As the news of his appointment trends across social media, it has reignited calls from his supporters for Cherry to receive the Order of Canada and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, honors that have so far eluded him. For now, the Order of Ontario serves as a definitive acknowledgment of his lasting impact on the province’s cultural and sporting landscape.
Don Cherry, 92, receives Order of Ontario appointment
Don Cherry, 92, receives Order of Ontario appointment Wallpapers
Collection of don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment wallpapers for your desktop and mobile devices.
Dynamic Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Image in HD
A captivating don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.
Captivating Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment View Illustration
A captivating don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.
Gorgeous Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Scene in 4K
A captivating don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.
Vibrant Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Image Photography
Explore this high-quality don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.
Crisp Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Design in HD
A captivating don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.
Crisp Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Artwork Illustration
This gorgeous don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment photo offers a breathtaking view, making it a perfect choice for your next wallpaper.
Dynamic Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Moment for Mobile
Immerse yourself in the stunning details of this beautiful don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment wallpaper, designed for a captivating visual experience.
Amazing Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Photo Collection
Transform your screen with this vivid don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment artwork, a true masterpiece of digital design.
Stunning Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Photo Collection
A captivating don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.
Vibrant Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Picture Digital Art
Experience the crisp clarity of this stunning don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment image, available in high resolution for all your screens.
Vivid Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Artwork Nature
Transform your screen with this vivid don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment artwork, a true masterpiece of digital design.
Vibrant Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Wallpaper Illustration
Discover an amazing don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Artistic Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Photo in 4K
Find inspiration with this unique don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment illustration, crafted to provide a fresh look for your background.
Detailed Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Landscape Concept
Discover an amazing don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Vivid Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Background Illustration
Explore this high-quality don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.
Mesmerizing Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Capture Collection
Discover an amazing don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Serene Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Wallpaper Collection
Explore this high-quality don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.
Vibrant Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Design Digital Art
Discover an amazing don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Exquisite Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Capture Collection
This gorgeous don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment photo offers a breathtaking view, making it a perfect choice for your next wallpaper.
Vibrant Don Cherry, 92, Receives Order Of Ontario Appointment Background Photography
Explore this high-quality don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.
Download these don cherry, 92, receives order of ontario appointment wallpapers for free and use them on your desktop or mobile devices.
