Sour Grapes: A Don Cherry Dynasty

[moneyp]

DON CHERRY RESIGNS FROM CBC



July 4th, 2005

TORONTO, Ont. -- In a surprise announcement, Hockey Night In Canada commentator Don Cherry stated that he was exercising an option in his contract to terminate his broadcasting position with the Canadian Broadcasting Company. Cherry, the colorful and controversial co-host of "Coach's Corner," Hockey Night In Canada's first intermission segment, declined to make a statement in regards to his reason for leaving the CBC or his future plans.

"I'd like to thank the CBC and the staff at Hockey Night In Canada, including my partner on Coach's Corner, Ron MacLean," Cherry read from a prepared statement. "We've had our battles over the years, but overall I've been treated well these past twenty-five years, and I wish them nothing but luck."

CBC President Robert Rabinovitch issued a statement that while he was "shocked" to learn that Cherry was leaving, he thanked him for his years of service and wished him luck in his future endeavors."

Critical and public opinion was divided on Cherry's departure.

"He's an institution," said Matthew Turnage, a Brantford, Ontario native. "Saturday nights won't be the same without Grapes."

"He's a racist," said Elizabeth Dworkin of Banff, Alberta. "He's always saying 'all you kids out there, don't do this or don't do that.' How about 'all you kids out there, don't act like a racist jerk. Good riddance.'"

The outspoken Cherry has come under fire in recent years for a commenting that the majority of players who wear visors were "European or French guys." During the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Russian delegation was threatening to withdraw because of perceived bias when several of their athletes tested positive for banned substances. On live TV, Cherry referred to Russians as "quitters" who "evidently they take a lot of drugs, too." After some outrage in the Russian-Canadian community, he issued an apology. Toronto Maple Leafs winger Alexander Mogilny dismissed Cherry's comments as insignificant, calling him a "clown".

Cherry was uncharacteristically mum in regards to his future plans. "You'll be seeing me around," he said with a wink and a smile. There is some speculation that Cherry would be joining another hockey broadcasting network such as TSN. A spokesperson for TSN denied having spoken with Cherry about a broadcasting position.

[moneyp]

JOHN FERGUSON JR. FIRED
July 6th, 2005



TORONTO, ONT -- The Toronto Maple Leafs have parted ways with general manager John Ferguson Jr.

Team President Richard Peddle said that while they felt that Ferguson had performed satisfactorily since assuming the General Manager position in 2003, the team felt that they needed to go in a different direction.

Rumored candidates to succeed Ferguson as the Leafs GM include Hartford Wolfpack GM Jim Schoenfeld, Red Deer Rebels GM/Coach Darryl Sutter and even Toronto coach Pat Quinn, who held the position until Ferguson succeeded him in 2003.

[moneyp]

GRAPE-LE LEAFS!
Hockey stunner: Leafs hire Don Cherry as GM.
August 4th, 2005



TORONTO, Ont. -- In a move that stunned the hockey world, the Toronto Maple Leafs held a press conference to announce that former Hockey Night In Canada broadcaster Don Cherry would assume the duties as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Cherry, the controversial commentator of CBC's "Coach's Corner" resigned his broadcasting position with the network last month, a mere two days before the Leafs fired general manager John Ferguson, Jr.

"It may seem like an unorthodox choice," said Leafs President Richard Peddle, "but we felt that the Leafs as an organisation was stagnating under the current way of doing things. We needed to shake things up. And nobody shakes things up better than Don."

Cherry, decked out in a blue-and-white double-breasted suit and wearing a Maple Leafs tie, was characteristically spirited at his first press conference as the Leafs general manager.

"Hey, I know what you guys in the media are going to say about me. All I'm gonna tell you is, wait and see. I want what every Leafs fan wants: to see this team win. There's a whole generation of Leafs fans that have never seen their team lift the Stanley Cup. That's the goal. And if I didn't think I could help get us there, I wouldn't have taken the job. I love this team too much for that."

Asked about his inexperience as a general manager, Cherry replied, "I'm not stupid. There's a lot of experience in this organisation, and I'm going to use it. Mike Penny's my assistant GM. He's been a front office guy for twenty years. He's done everything... director of player personnel, scouting, everything. You think he doesn't know what he's doing? Heck, he's smarter than a lot of GMs. He's smart enough not to take the top job, 'cause he knows the top guy is the one who gets fired."

Asked if he would be making any staff changes, Cherry stated, "if you're asking about the head coach [Pat Quinn], then no. Pat's my guy. I know he wants to win as much as I do. And if he's happy with his coaches, then I'm happy. As for the rest of the organisation, I don't know. I'm going to talk to everyone in the front office and make sure we're all on the same page. But I know these are good people and they're dedicated to winning."

"Everyone who's watched me on T.V. knows what kind of player I like. I want guys that work hard every shift. I like guys that are fundamentally sound. If you're gonna be on the Maple Leafs, than you're gonna work hard."

When asked if his previous comments regarding European players would have any impact on his personnel decisions, Cherry got defensive. "I'm not going to talk about that. I don't care where a player is from. If he works hard and does his job, I don't care if he's from Mongolia. If you don't work hard and don't do your job, you're not going to be on this team, wherever you're from."

Public reaction to the hiring was largely negative.

"This is a [expletive] joke," said Ontario resident Jeremy Durst, echoing the sentiments of many Leafs fans. "This just proves that Molson isn't interested in anything other than selling tickets. Cherry isn't fit to manage a pizza parlor."

"I think it's great," said Katheryn Taguchi, "but then again, I'm a Sens fan."

Leafs fan Greg Montgomery was more optimistic.

"Who knows? The Leafs haven't won a Cup in 38 years. Maybe Grapes can give the organisation a wake-up call. Nothing else has worked."

[Johnny93g]

BRING BACK GILMOUR!!!!!!!

[moneyp]

Originally Posted by Johnny93g

BRING BACK GILMOUR!!!!!!!

A no-brainer, but I can't find him! He's not listed among players or staff in EHM 2005.

[moneyp]

Cherry Pick-up: Leafs trade Kilger to Kings for Cammalleri
August 8th, 2005


Mike Cammalleri

TORONTO, Ont. -- Don Cherry made his first trade as the general manager of the Leafs, sending forward Chad Kilger and prospect Ian White to the Kings for left wing Mike Cammalleri.

The gritty Kilger had three goals and three assists in 41 games for the Canadiens and Leafs in 2003-04. Cammalleri scored nine goals and six assists in 31 games with the Los Angeles Kings in 2003-04. He spent the 2005 season with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL, where he tallied 46 goals and 63 assists for 109 points in 79 games.

"You all know how I feel about Chad. He's a heck of a player," said Cherry at the press conference announcing the trade. "But he wasn't going to get a lot of ice time here. He'll get an opportunity to play for Andy Murray in Los Angeles, and I know he'll help that team."

Regarding Cammalleri, Cherry said, "we need skill guys on the wings, and Cammy's definitely a skill guy. He's gonna have an opportunity to play on the top two lines and on the power play, and we think he's ready to show something at this level."

The Leafs reportedly offered free agent left winger Steve Thomas a training camp tryout, which Thomas declined. The Leafs are reportedly talking to free agent Mike Keane as well.

[moneyp]

August 14, 2005

LEAFS REPORT:

The Maple Leafs have annouced the signing of Billy Smith as goaltending coach for the team. Smith is a Hall of Fame goaltender who won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders.

"Billy knows what it takes to win," said Toronto GM Don Cherry. "That's why he's here. He'll demand the best out of our young goalies, and he'll get it. When you've won four Stanley Cups, people will pay attention to what you have to say."

[moneyp]

Leafs sign Berehowsky
August 16, 2005



TORONTO, Ont. -- The Maple Leafs re-signed free agent defenseman Drake Berehowsky to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Berehowsky split 2003-04 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring six goals with 18 assists and accumulating 77 penalty minutes in 56 games.

[sachmo71]

nice work...but don't burn yourself out with the fancy graphics!

[moneyp]

Originally Posted by sachmo71

nice work...but don't burn yourself out with the fancy graphics!

Ha. Thanks. Just copying a couple of mastheads from prominent Canadian media sites. Hopefully it doesn't become an issue.

I skimmed some of your book reviews. Nice work on The Postman. What did you think of Kiln People? I thought it was fantastic up until the final quarter, where I thought Brin dropped the ball. For some reason, his endings always leave me a little dissatisfied.

[sachmo71]

Originally Posted by moneyp

Ha. Thanks. Just copying a couple of mastheads from prominent Canadian media sites. Hopefully it doesn't become an issue.

I skimmed some of your book reviews. Nice work on The Postman. What did you think of Kiln People? I thought it was fantastic up until the final quarter, where I thought Brin dropped the ball. For some reason, his endings always leave me a little dissatisfied.

I haven't read it yet.

[moneyp]

Leafs Can't Find Way On Defensemen Merry-Go-Round
August 31, 2005

TORONTO, Ont. - The Nashville Predators trade of defenseman Marek Zidlicky to the Edmonton Oilers yesterday capped off a furious month where many prominent defensemen changed teams. The Predators acquired Willie Mitchell from the Minnesota Wild at the beginning of the month, while the Oilers previously traded blueline stalwart Jason Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins and picked up Bret Hedican from the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes also traded Glen Wesley to the Calgary Flames. Other d-men changing teams include Jassen Cullimore to the Washington Capitals and Jaroslav Modry, who returned to the Los Angeles Kings for his second tour of duty.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are still looking for help on the blueline. "Everyone's looking for defensive help," said Maple Leafs GM Don Cherry. "You think I haven't asked about these guys? The general managers who are selling know their guys are in demand. You're gonna overpay for a guy who might be around for one year only."

Talks have stalled with defenseman Karel Pilar, who is unsigned. Pilar is reportedly looking for a multiyear deal paying $1.6 million per year. The Leafs have reportedly offered two years at $1.1 million per. "We made fair offer," said Cherry. "If he wants to play, his agent has my number."

[moneyp]

Leafs acquire Dustin Brown
September 2, 2005



The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they have acquired forward Dustin Brown from the Los Angeles Kings. The Leafs will also receive the Kings fourth-round pick in 2006. In exchange, the Kings will receive the rights to goaltender Tuukka Rask, forward Phil Oreskovic, the 2006 fourth-round pick (obtained from New Jersey) and 2008 seventh-round pick.

Brown is a 21-year old gritty forward who played 31 games for the Kings in 2003-04, scoring one goal and tallying five assists. He played the 2005-06 season with the Manchester Monarchs, scoring 29 goals and 45 assists with 96 penalty minutes in 79 games.

"Oh, we love this kid. He's fast, he's gritty, he's got a lot of heart. He made the league as a 19-year old which should tell you all you need to know about his talent. The Maple Leafs have a history of winning with character guys, and unless we get stupid, Dustin is gonna be a part of that tradition for a long time."

"It's great to be playing in a city with such a great hockey history and tradition," said Brown. "The Kings and the city of Los Angeles treated me great, and I'd like to thank Dave Taylor and Andy Murray for the opportunity they gave me. I'm looking forward to playing for Pat and Don."

[moneyp]

Leafs sign Pilar
September 5, 2005

The Toronto Maple Leafs have come to terms with free agent defenseman Karel Pilar, signing him to a two-year deal. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Pilar played 50 games for the Leafs in 2003-04, with two goals and 17 assists.

[moneyp]

September 9, 2005

TORONTO, Ont. -- The Toronto Maple Leafs finalised their training camp roster. A total of 67 players are expected to participate. There are 23 players attending camp on a tryout.

MAPLE LEAFS TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

No.Name                        Position(s)    Nation         Born        Age  Height      Weight
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41   Allison, Jason              C              CAN            5-29-75     30   6'3''       220
80   Antropov, Nik               C-RW           KAZ            2-18-80     25   6'5''       229
30   Aubin, Jean-Sebastien       G              CAN            7-19-77     28   5'11''      178
3    Belak, Wade                 RD-RW          CAN            7-3-76      29   6'5''       220
20   Belfour, Ed                 G              CAN            4-21-65     40   5'11''      200
40   Berehowsky, Drake           RD             CAN            1-3-72      33   6'2''       224
8    Berg, Aki                   LD             FIN            7-28-77     28   6'3''       211
4    Brown, Brad                 RD             CAN            12-27-75    29   6'3''       216
53   Cammalleri, Mike            C-LW           CAN            6-8-82      23   5'9''       178
57   Colaiacovo, Carlo           LD             CAN            1-27-83     22   6'1''       183
91   Czerkawski, Mariusz         RW             POL            3-1-72      33   6'2''       205
60   D'Amour, Dominic            LD-RD          CAN            1-28-84     21   6'3''       200
66   Dahlberg, Johan             RW             SWE            2-3-87      18   6'2''       191
43   Doig, Jason                 LD             CAN            1-29-77     28   6'3''       227
28   Domi, Tie                   RW             CAN            11-1-69     35   5'10''      211
12   Eastwood, Mike              C              CAN            7-1-67      38   6'2''       213
35   Ford, Todd                  G              CAN            1-5-84      21   6'4''       178
54   Harrison, Jay               LD             CAN            11-3-82     22   6'4''       209
33   Hoffman, Mike               RW             USA            9-20-80     24   6'4''       238
15   Kaberle, Tomas              LD             CZE            3-2-78      27   6'1''       196
10   Keane, Mike                 RW-LW          CAN            5-29-67     38   5'10''      176
27   Khavanov, Alexander         LD             RUS            1-30-72     33   6'2''       202
22   Klee, Ken                   RD             USA            4-24-71     34   6'0''       213
58   Kolozvary, Ivan             C              SVK            2-16-83     22   5'9''       174
2    Kronwall, Staffan           LD             SWE            9-10-82     22   6'4''       213
47   Kukumberg, Roman            RW             SVK            4-8-80      25   6'0''       189
34   Kulikov, Vladimir           G              RUS            5-28-81     24   5'11''      165
49   Labelle, Pat                LW-RW          CAN            3-7-81      24   6'2''       207
62   Later, Steven               RD             CAN            9-12-84     20   6'4''       202
38   Leeb, Brad                  RW-C           CAN            8-27-79     26   5'11''      185
88   Lindros, Eric               C-RW           CAN            2-28-73     32   6'4''       233
29   Marsh, Tyson                LD             CAN            7-20-84     21   6'2''       198
24   McCabe, Bryan               RD             CAN            6-8-75      30   6'2''       218
11   Moro, Marc                  RD-LD          CAN            7-17-77     28   6'2''       218
21   Mrazek, Frantisek           LW-RW          CZE            5-16-79     26   6'6''       227
17   Newbury, Kris               LW             CAN            2-19-82     23   5'10''      198
48   Noel, Dominic               C              CAN            1-4-81      24   6'2''       194
92   O'Neill, Jeff               LW-RW          CAN            2-23-76     29   6'1''       194
25   Ondrus, Ben                 LW             CAN            6-25-82     23   6'0''       183
26   Perrott, Nathan             RW             CAN            12-8-76     28   6'0''       224
44   Pilar, Karel                RD             CZE            12-23-77    27   6'3''       205
1    Pogge, Justin               G              CAN            4-22-86     19   6'3''       180
7    Pohl, Johnny                C-RW           USA            6-29-79     26   6'0''       189
23   Ponikarovsky, Alexei        LW             UKR            4-9-80      25   6'4''       218
31   Racine, J.F.                G              CAN            4-27-82     23   6'3''       196
19   Sagat, Martin               LW-RW          SVK            11-11-84    20   6'4''       209
52   Seikola, Markus             RD-LD          FIN            6-5-82      23   6'1''       185
61   Semenov, Maksim             LD-RD          KAZ            2-9-84      21   6'1''       180
50   Shinkar, Aleksandr          RW             RUS            7-3-81      24   6'2''       198
56   Sozinov, Vadim              C-LW           RUS            12-3-82     22   5'10''      194
14   Stajan, Matt                C-LW           CAN            12-19-83    21   6'1''       178
64   Steber, Jan                 RW             CZE            10-19-85    19   6'3''       191
9    Steen, Alexander            C-RW           SWE            3-1-84      21   6'0''       183
65   Stralman, Anton             RD             SWE            8-1-86      19   6'0''       176
13   Sundin, Mats                C-LW           SWE            2-13-71     34   6'5''       229
32   Tellqvist, Mikael           G              SWE            9-19-79     25   5'11''      183
46   Travnicek, Michal           RW-LW          CZE            3-14-80     25   6'0''       196
16   Tucker, Darcy               LW-RW          CAN            3-15-75     30   5'10''      176
59   Turon, David                RD             CZE            10-4-83     21   6'3''       198
51   Velebny, Lubomir            RD-LD          SVK            2-9-82      23   6'2''       213
63   Vorobiev, Dmitri            LD-RD          RUS            10-18-85    19   6'2''       202
45   Warren, Morgan              RW             CAN            3-6-80      25   6'2''       191
42   Wellwood, Kyle              C              CAN            5-16-83     22   5'10''      178
18   Williams, Jeremy            RW-LW          CAN            1-26-84     21   5'11''      183
39   Wilm, Clarke                C-LW           CAN            10-24-76    28   6'0''       200
55   Wozniewski, Andy            LD-RD          USA            5-25-80     25   6'5''       224
78   Zavoral, Vaclav             LD             CZE            5-22-81     24   6'3''       213

[moneyp]

Leafs trade Khavanov to Columbus
September 5, 2005

The Toronto Maple Leafs traded defenseman Alexander Khavanov and the rights to forward Jon Hall to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Maple Leafs will receive Columbus's third-round draft pick in 2006.

The 33-year old Khavanov was signed as a free agent in the offseason by former Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson, Jr. He had yet to appear in a game for the Leafs.

"Since we signed Drake [Berehowsky] and [Karel] Pilar, we felt we had enough depth on defense, and we needed to get some salary off of the cap," said Leafs GM Don Cherry. "It's no reflection on Khavanov, but signing him... it's not a deal I would have made. He's not the right player for this club."

In separate deal, the Leafs traded defensive prospect Brendan Bell to the Blue Jackets for forward prospect Tim Konsorada and the Blue Jackets 4th round pick in 2006.

[moneyp]

Keane and Wellwood turning heads at camp
September 14, 2005

TORONTO, Ont. -- When the Toronto Maple Leafs open the regular season on October 4th against the Florida Panthers, there might be a couple of unexpected additions in the lineup. Young center Kyle Wellwood has been the highlight of training camp thus far, performing extremely well in scrimmage and earning the first star in the Leafs exhibition win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring two goals.

"Kyle has shown up at camp ready to play," said Leafs coach Pat Quinn. "He wants to be on the team, and if he keeps playing the way he has, we're going to have some tough roster decisions to make."

The Leafs already have four veteran centers on the roster in Mats Sundin, Eric Lindros, Jason Allison and Nikolai Antropov, although both Lindros and Antropov are capable of playing wing.

The other standout is veteran forward Mike Keane, a veteran of seventeen NHL seasons with three Stanley Cup rings, in camp with the Leafs on a tryout. "Mike is making it real hard to cut him," said Quinn. "He's done everything we've asked of him."

"Mikey is a great player," said Leafs GM Don Cherry. "He leaves it out there every shift, and provides the kind of leadership any team could use."

[sachmo71]

Originally Posted by moneyp

Leafs Can't Find Way On Defensemen Merry-Go-Round
August 31, 2005

TORONTO, Ont. - The Nashville Predators trade of defenseman Marek Zidlicky to the Edmonton Oilers yesterday capped off a furious month where many prominent defensemen changed teams. The Predators acquired Willie Mitchell from the Minnesota Wild at the beginning of the month, while the Oilers previously traded blueline stalwart Jason Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins and picked up Bret Hedican from the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes also traded Glen Wesley to the Calgary Flames. Other d-men changing teams include Jassen Cullimore to the Washington Capitals and Jaroslav Modry, who returned to the Los Angeles Kings for his second tour of duty.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are still looking for help on the blueline. "Everyone's looking for defensive help," said Maple Leafs GM Don Cherry. "You think I haven't asked about these guys? The general managers who are selling know their guys are in demand. You're gonna overpay for a guy who might be around for one year only."

Talks have stalled with defenseman Karel Pilar, who is unsigned. Pilar is reportedly looking for a multiyear deal paying $1.6 million per year. The Leafs have reportedly offered two years at $1.1 million per. "We made fair offer," said Cherry. "If he wants to play, his agent has my number."

I've never been able to figure out why Carolina always dumps it's D corps. Usually they dump 3 or 4 of them...then turn right around and try to aquire some defensement. Odd.

[mooreadamc]

Great read so far. Keep up the good work!

[Joe Canadian]

Good read... but I have to say as a Leafs fan that hates the franchise right now, this is making me more mad. Don Cherry is a complete moron...

[johnnyshaka]

Originally Posted by Joe Canadian

Good read... but I have to say as a Leafs fan that hates the franchise right now, this is making me more mad. Don Cherry is a complete moron...

Bite your tongue!!!!!

Hate the Leafs, always have and always will...but, I'll read just to see how Cherry does.

[moneyp]

Hey, thanks for the feedback, folks. I was worried that I was writing this into a void.

Joe C., I love Grapes, even if it's strictly from an entertainment standpoint. Of course, he would realistically be a complete disaster as a general manager, but it's been fun to apply a WWDCD? philosophy to the game.