ESPN Copying NBC's Plan From Last Year, Bringing Don Cherry To The Masses
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
I'm not exactly sure why ESPN suddenly thinks that Hockey is worth all of this attention, but according to the Globe and Mail they're adding Don Cherry to their Playoff coverage.
"I guess they like my jackets," the Hockey Night in Canada personality said yesterday.I personally love the guy and thought he did a great job on NBC last year. I hope they could get him and Barry Melrose in the studio together at some point. That would be a show.
Cherry and Hockey Night host Ron MacLean will leave the CBC's Toronto studio for the road to cover the Philadelphia Flyers-Pittsburgh Penguins series, which will start on Friday. Cherry will do live hits by remote for ESPN's SportsCentre at the end of each Flyers-Penguins game.
"When I'm finished with the wrap-up on Hockey Night, I'll do the ESPN spot," Cherry said. "Sherali [Najak, the executive producer of Hockey Night ] will help set it up for me."
Cherry has plenty of critics, but ESPN's move to hire the Canadian-based commentator speaks to his popularity and profile among NHL fans on both sides of the border.
America, Prepare to Be Blinded by Don Cherry (Fanhouse)
ESPN adds Cherry to beef up NHL playoff coverage (Toronto Globe and Mail)
6 Comments:
Well, blackmailing the league with no SportsCenter coverage didn't work, so either they've given up on getting the NHL back or their Plan B is flattery.
Or they've seen the rebounding ratings.
i pray bspn never gets the nhl back.
and i'm an nhl fan and season ticket holder.
how long before cherry gets banned i.e. rush limbaugh? the disney mice must be spinning in circles with the thought.
ESPN owns TSN that airs many hockey games and playoff games. I am wondering if they will simulcast the feed from that station anytime soon because they should. Thank god there will be less Barry Melrose!
I remember Wilbon calling Cherry a racist on PTI when Kornheiser just simply asked his opinion on Cherry allegedly retiring a few years ago. Xenophobe yes, full out racist, no.
I'd pay to watch 5 Good Minutes of Don Cherry with Wilbon and Kornheiser can just catch up on watching NFL game-film since his hockey knowledge sucks for even the mainstream sportswriter.
espn only has a 20 percent share in tsn
and i agree keep the nhl away from it. theyre better off on the fox sports channels and versus. the versus ratings are almost identical to what espn2 drew when they last had hockey.
Hockey getting attention is all John Buccigross's fault.