Donald Stewart Cherry Quotes

Powerful Donald Stewart Cherry for Daily Growth

About Donald Stewart Cherry

Donald Stuart "Grapes" Cherry (September 5, 1940 – March 8, 2018) was a Canadian hockey commentator, former professional player, and coach, known for his unique style, passionate delivery, and memorable quotes. Born in Kingston, Ontario, Cherry began his career as a player with the Boston Bruins, where he played from 1961 to 1974. Known as "Chief" due to his Native American heritage, Cherry was a physical defenseman who won two Stanley Cups with the Bruins in 1970 and 1972. After retiring from playing, Cherry turned to coaching, leading the Boston Bruins from 1979 to 1983. However, it was his move to broadcasting that truly catapulted him to fame. As a color commentator for Hockey Night in Canada from 1980 until 2018, Cherry became known for his outspoken comments, unconventional interviews, and iconic quotes like "You miss 100% of the shots you never take" and "I'm not a big believer in goaltending." Cherry was also recognized for his strong patriotism and love for Canada, often seen wearing his trademark red hockey sweater. His show, Coach's Corner, co-hosted with Ron MacLean, became one of the most popular segments on Hockey Night in Canada. Despite controversy surrounding some of his comments, Cherry remained a beloved figure in Canadian sports until his retirement due to health reasons in 2018. Throughout his life, Cherry influenced countless hockey fans with his passionate analysis and distinctive style. His legacy lives on in the unforgettable quotes he left behind and the indelible mark he made on the world of hockey.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

This quote, attributed to Michael Scott (not Donald Stewart Cherry), highlights the importance of taking risks and attempting new things in life. Essentially, it suggests that if you do not attempt something - if you do not "take the shot" - then there is no chance of success because failure is inevitable when nothing is tried. The quote encourages boldness, perseverance, and a willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of goals and opportunities.


"If you can't beat 'em in the alley, you can't beat 'em on the ice."

This quote by Don Cherry suggests that if one lacks the skill or ability to succeed in a less formal setting (the "alley"), they will struggle even more when confronted with a more structured environment such as a hockey rink ("on the ice"). It emphasizes the importance of having basic skills and abilities mastered before moving on to more complex environments, implying that success is built upon strong foundations.


"Coaching is simple. It's not rocket science. You just tell 'em to play harder to outwork everybody and to pick each other up when they fall."

This quote emphasizes a straightforward approach to coaching, suggesting that the essence of coaching lies in encouraging effort and teamwork. Donald Cherry implies that success is achieved by pushing players to give their utmost in terms of effort and hard work, and fostering an environment where teammates support one another during struggles or failures. In simpler terms, he suggests that coaching is about instilling a competitive spirit, inspiring dedication, and promoting camaraderie among the team.


"You never know how good you are until you hit rock bottom."

This quote suggests that it is only through experiencing hardship, failure, or "hitting rock bottom", that one can truly understand and appreciate their strengths, abilities, and resilience. It implies that self-awareness and personal growth often arise from adversity, as it forces individuals to reassess their values, skills, and potential for change. The quote encourages a mindset of perseverance and self-discovery in the face of challenges.


"I don't believe in goaltending. I believe in pitching a shutout."

Donald Cherry's quote, "I don't believe in goaltending. I believe in pitching a shutout," is an idiosyncratic way of emphasizing the importance of strong defense and limiting opportunities for the opposing team to score, rather than solely relying on the goaltender's skill. By saying he believes in "pitching a shutout," Cherry is highlighting his focus on preventing goals instead of simply having a capable goalie. In baseball, pitching a shutout means preventing the opposing team from scoring any runs, which aligns with the hockey context where a goaltender prevents the opposing team from scoring goals. This quote underscores the value that Cherry places on solid defense and the collective effort required to win in hockey.


Anybody who says they don't like fighting in the NHL have to be out of their minds.

- Donald Stewart Cherry

Minds, Like, Anybody, NHL

I think I'm a good Canadian, but I'm not the greatest Canadian.

- Donald Stewart Cherry

Good, Think, I Think, Canadian

The greatest hockey player who ever lived: Bobby Orr, and I love him.

- Donald Stewart Cherry

Love, Hockey, Him, Bobby

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.