If Cherry really thinks having an all Ontario hockey team will win cups, I laugh at him. In this day and age of hockey, I would take Europeans over Ontario players, hands down.

It’s something that makes the highs, like winning a Stanley Cup or two or three really high, and the lows not so low. It also becomes a lot easier to scout players because the community a player is from tends to know more about intricacies of a player’s personality–or potential shortcomings that need to be addressed, rather than find out after the player’s signed his contract.

For markets like Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, Washington, Carolina, Phoenix, Dallas, Anaheim, LA, and San Jose, etc., it’s not possible right now, outside of a VERY few players. But, give the development system time in those places to discover and nurture local talent—and provide major junior hockey and college hockey opportunities in these regions is only going to grow the sport. Also, introducing other forms of hockey kids can play in the streets or gyms when it’s a little warmer–like rink hockey or inline hockey can only help. For markets like Toronto, Vancouver, etc., a controversial idiot like Don Cherry should not have to remind teams to invest in a few local players (out of 23 spots). It should come from within the organization. It should come from the desire of a “team” to be a “club” and to bring in hometown players to get the third and most important leg of the 3-legged stool that is the club–the fans–to passionately support the team.

And if “its just a sport to you” you’re not part of Leaf Nation

So you can disregard and get to your Pilate class

Love him or hate him, Don’s damn good at his job.

I don’t always agree with what Don Cherry says… but god love him for saying the things most dare not say. he’s been doing it for 30+ years… why should it stop?

The other point is the idea that the NHL may be trying to silence Grapes and Ron. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the hockey media responds if this is the case. They all circled the wagons when Garth Snow took away Chris Botta’s credentials. Will they take a similar stand on Grapes and Ron’s behalf? Or are they complete hypocrites? We will see.

Burke is one of the worst GM’s in the NHL.
For every good move I can point out 2 bad
For every good draft pick I can point out 2 failed picks

Still drinking the kool-aid Leafs fans? Served up to you by an American who doesn’t give a damn about you no less.

Pathetic Leafs nation

Although the league can f itself regarding their stance on some of Cherry’s comments. The officiating IS terrible, don’t be surprised when it gets pointed out. I hate the thought that broadcasts like CBC have to take the side of the NHL.

There should be more people who tell it like it is like Don Cherry!

Salute’ to the Coaches Corner!