Net Worth: $14 Million
Category: Richest Athletes › Hockey
Profession: Sports Commentator, Coach, Former Ice Hockey Player, Actor
Nationality: Canadian
Birthdate: February 5, 1934 (Age: 91)
Birthplace: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.8 m)
💰 What is Don Cherry’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Don Cherry’s net worth is estimated at $14 million. A former professional ice hockey player turned coach and legendary sports commentator, Cherry made his fortune across multiple avenues—from the NHL and AHL to TV, radio, business ventures, and even animated film roles.
🧊 Early Life
Donald Stewart Cherry was born in Kingston, Ontario, in 1934. His passion for hockey sparked early, and he began his journey in junior leagues. Despite the instability that came with chasing a hockey career—his family moved 53 times—he pressed on, supported by his wife Rosemarie until her death in 1997. He later married his second wife, Luba.
🏒 Playing Career
Cherry started in the Ontario Hockey Association, playing for the Barrie Flyers and Windsor Spitfires. He joined the Hershey Bears in the AHL before getting a brief call-up to the NHL, playing one game for the Boston Bruins. A prior baseball injury, he claimed, kept him from a longer NHL career.
His true playing success came in the American Hockey League, winning four Calder Cups—one with the Springfield Indians and three with the Rochester Americans. He also won a Western Hockey League title with the Vancouver Canucks in 1969.
🧠 Coaching Career
After attempting to work in sales and construction post-retirement, Cherry returned to the ice—this time as a coach. He took the helm of the Boston Bruins in the 1974–75 season. Under his leadership, the Bruins became a dominant force in the 1970s.
He later coached the Colorado Rockies and briefly worked with the proposed Saskatoon Blues franchise. His coaching style was fiery and physical, much like his persona.
🎙️ Broadcasting Fame: “Coach’s Corner”
In 1980, Cherry began a new chapter in broadcasting with the CBC, becoming the face of “Coach’s Corner” on Hockey Night in Canada from 1986 until 2019. Known for his bold suits and even bolder takes, Cherry became a pop culture icon.
He also hosted “Don Cherry’s Grapeline”, a radio show that later evolved into a podcast after his exit from Sportsnet.
📺 Other Media Appearances
Outside of sports, Cherry voiced himself in animated shows like Zeroman and movies like The Wild. He also made cameos in shows such as Goosebumps and Holmes on Homes.
🍽️ Business Ventures
Cherry launched Don Cherry’s Sports Grill, a chain of restaurants across Canada. He also partnered with Pethealth Inc. to create CherryBlue Pet Insurance, named after his beloved bull terrier.
❤️ Charity Work
An advocate for animals and organ donation, Cherry launched the Don Cherry Pet Rescue Foundation and supports shelters through his Simply Pets snack line—donating 100% of profits to animal welfare causes.
⚠️ Controversy & Removal from Sportsnet
Cherry’s outspoken nature eventually led to his downfall in mainstream media. In 2019, he made controversial remarks perceived as xenophobic during a “Coach’s Corner” segment, criticizing immigrants for not buying Remembrance Day poppies.
“You people that come here… you love our way of life… at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy…”
The backlash was swift. Sportsnet, the NHL, and the Royal Canadian Legion condemned his comments. Cherry refused to apologize, leading to his termination from Sportsnet and the cancellation of “Coach’s Corner”.
Despite the fallout, several NHL players and fans came to his defense, citing his long-standing contributions to the sport and Canadian culture.
📈 Legacy
Love him or loathe him, Don Cherry remains one of hockey’s most iconic figures. Whether behind the bench or behind the mic, he shaped generations of hockey fans with his unapologetic passion, patriotism, and personality.
🔎 Quick Facts:
- Only played one NHL game in his career.
- Coached Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito during his Bruins tenure.
- Known for his flamboyant suits and nationalistic commentary.
- Refused to apologize for his most controversial remarks.
- Continues to engage fans via his podcast and charity efforts.
