Premier popped into Coach’s Corner to find Don Cherry feisty as ever

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It turns out it takes a visit from the premier to get Don Cherry to put on one of his famous high collar shirts with a pinstripe jacket and snappy tie once again.

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Cherry hasn’t suited up for ‘you people out there’ like this since his Coach’s Corner days.

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“I am going to get dressed up,” the 92-year-old Canadian legend said before Premier Doug Ford’s visit Monday. “I am excited about him coming.”

Ford dropped by Cherry’s Mississauga home Tuesday to congratulate the Canadian hockey patriarch on being selected to receive the prestigious Order of Ontario as part of the 2025 class. From free speech to coaching Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruins, to helping raise millions in charity, this was an award that was long overdue.

It’s finally happened and it is much deserved.

“I was thrilled to stop by and congratulate Don Cherry in person on his appointment to the Order of Ontario,” said Ford. “Don is a great Canadian patriot and a champion for our country, our province and the game of hockey. Congratulations!”

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Vindication for Grapes

It’s certainly a long way from Remembrance Day 2019 when Cherry was fired from Rogers and Hockey Night in Canada for his patriotic suggestion that the least “you people” could do is buy a poppy to support a veteran.

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Cherry should never have been fired for that. His sidekick Ron MacLean– who, in fairness, has tried to make amends – should have stuck up for his wingman and so should a lot of others.

But that’s water under the bridge.

Ford deserves a lot of credit for helping turn this new page for the legacy of this Canadian gem.

In fact, you could see both Cherry and Ford were beaming when they were together again. All we needed was that famous after the first period theme music.

The way they were sitting there it almost like Coach’s Corner only this time it was Ford on set instead of MacLean. And like he used to do with his old partner, Grapes had a little fun with a message on his special signature tie – something he always did when appearing after the first intermission.

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This tie was both Canadian and American

You always had to look twice. Cherry frequently wore ties featuring something about the troops or Remembrance Day or veterans or poppies. That’s what happened this time.

At first glance, it was not noticeable. But, upon a closer look, his tie had Canadian and American flags all over it.

“They asked me to change it, but I said no,” Grapes said, with a laugh, of the crew putting together the special video segment. “It’s a great tie. They wanted me to change it but I wouldn’t change it.”

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Cherry, a long-time Donald Trump supporter who stood up for Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky over their friendship with the U.S. President, didn’t get into anything political with the Premier, who has been heavily embroiled in the current, elbows-up tariff battle with the Trump White House.

But, Cherry said, with the tie he just wanted to convey his respect for America, too – the birthplace of his kids and where he played and coached hockey for many decades. Cherry is all Canadian but loves the United States as well and wants the two counties to get along once again.

He also has a jacket that has both Canadian and the U.S. flags on it and wears it often.

Explaining they have been good friends for a long time, Cherry said he was thrilled to have Doug Ford at his house and he has supported him and his late brother, former Toronto mayor Rob Ford, for decades.

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“It was wonderful,” he said, adding Doug’s a “great guy” and a “great premier.”

Ford proud of Cherry

The Premier seemed to love being there – including seeing the defiant, mischievous but humourous and entertaining side that Grapes is so famous for.

“I am so proud you are getting the Order of Ontario,” Ford told him. “You are an icon to millions of Ontarians and Canadians as well and no one is more deserving in this country than you.”

“You are the most patriotic person I have ever met. Thank you, my friend,” Ford added

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Now that Cherry has finally been awarded the Order of Ontario, there’s no question the Order of Canada should be next.

Conservative MP Andrew Lawton, with the support of Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, has begun the process of nominating Cherry for that prestigious Order of Canada honour and has started a petition of names supporting the idea.

It’s long past time to give Cherry – once voted as the seventh Greatest Canadian of all time in a CBC poll – his due. It just may happen because as the Premier illustrated by going to his house, there are a lot of people in the Coach’s Corner now.

jwarmington@postmedia.com

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