Ryan Smyth's worth every penny he gets

Don for PM ?
You've got my vote !

hello don. when my daughter karlee 6 and my son mackenzie 3 saw ryan smith crying on tv they asked us what was going on.we advise them ryan was going to islanders would not be playing for oilers anymore they started crying also since ryan is their first hero.we tried to explain to karlee that the oilers couldnt afford him or didn t have enough money for him. karlee ran to her room all confused she came back out 10 minutes later with her piggy bank and said..mom i dont care about disneyland i want ryan smith to stay with they oilers where do i send my money..my question to you don is.....where do i send her money. hope you enjoy. feel free to reply. thanks a million for your time. dena and stephane duval.

I've been an Oiler fan all of my life. I've experienced the Gretzky trade, Messier, Weight, Cujo....all of them. This one hurts the most though. I will defend Kevin Lowe, in the sense that I truly believe he made the right "business" decision, but that's where it ends. It's obvious that this team is lost, and has no leader now. You can't put a price on "intangables", and that is all that Smyth is. Everything about his game is ugly! Of course he's not worth $5.5M if you critically disect every aspect of his game.

I've heard rumours of an unwritten deal that he will be back in the summer, and the Oilers better hope so. Even if that is the case however, this whole deal puts a very sour taste in my mouth. I have always LOVED the NHL, and this trade abused that love considerably... My wife will probably get her way on more Saturday nights from now on and I'll exchange HNIC for dinner parties and more concrete things...this deal is proof that the passion left the NHL long long ago.

Our job is to serve, and at all costs get the job done...... Ryan Smyths' job is somewhat the same.We havent seen that type of character in the NHL for a long time. Who else would take a puck in the face and barely miss a shift....... If Edmonton doesnt make a bid to get thier Star back, it would be worse than loosing either Gretz or the Moose, as people come these days, to see Ryan play. He is the heart beat of that team, when his game was on, the team won. Get him back No matter the cost, hockey is about more than money, he also plays for the love of the game

hey guys,i can't believe what I just saw in the Montreal,Boston game. The ref gave the Mtl.goalie a penalty for delay of game because he smothered the puck out of his crease as the Boston player was rushing in.I can't believe the nickel and dimming going on,when players are getting their heads torn off an no penalty is given out at all.Something must be done!!! marc

It sounds like the Oilers and Smyth's camp weren't to far apart regarding money. I think if Ryan really wanted to stay with the Oilers he should have signed long term. What's afew Hundred thousands when you're making Millions.
Kevin Lowe called his bluff, I think he did what
was best for the team. Maybe we'll see what happen with Smyth after July 1st. Go Canucks Go....

i've been reading comments everywhere about how lowe should be fired and the eig should be ashamed of themselves for not shelling out the money that smytty wanted and subsequently trading him.

first things first... 5.4 mill for five years is what i call stepping up and paying a guy more than fairly. i actually think that 27mil over five is not worth it for the guy. i love smitty, but he is not in the same level as vinnie l, igginla, etc.
he is a shane doan, darcy tucker type player and should be paid accordingly.

I think that Lowe should be fired ASAP!!! the Ryan Smith deal was horrible and Edmonton got no player in return that even matches Smith's talent. It was a sad day in Edmonton now I only hope soon we will be able to see Lowe leave also!!!!!

The only way Toronto can win the stanley cup is to have managment-coaches-players,made up of people from the GTA. its not rocket science. a dynasty will develope and hockey will become boring as the leafs will have no competition througout the world.they could also raise ticket prices to ten times the current amount and donate all the profits to charity. unfortunatly the people at the top are just as stupid as they are greedy.

Hi Don and Ron do you like the way I put your name first Don Ha. will Don please tell the BC people why Todd bert will help detroit beat vancouver in the playoffs if they meet detroit. I seem to be the only detroit fan in vicoria and I love it keep the good work up boys. thanks Mark cookson from vicoria.

I can't believe Mr.Lowe! He deserves to get fired for this! First he trades of one of the leagues most dangerous defensemen(Pronger) and then he lets Smyth go. Smyth leads the Oilers in points and goals. What kind of a general manager is he?

Don -

I'm a huge fan of HNIC and I really missed the show. I'm really disgusted that the trade that sent Ryan to the Islanders. I firmly believe that the Edmonton Management team needs to reconsider what their doing. It may not be the same as giving Gretzky away, but let's face it, Ryan Smyth is a damn GREAT hockey player. Not only is he Captain Canada, he is born and bled oil. He is an Oiler and the team should have been built around players who are like him. Players who are talented and willing individuals who will take the team to the finals.

THE OILERS LOST THEIR HEART WHEN THEY TRADED RYAN SMYTH. BIG MISTAKE.
WE LOVE YOU SMYTTY!

Will the oilers make the playoffs?

The way things are going now, I doubt it. Maybe Craig Mctavish should order about 30 copies of the book "The Secret" and have the team read it. It might help them boost their team confidence and they could possibly sneak their way in...again.

Ron & Grapes:
Adam Mair and Brian McGrattan are both east mountain boys , and both attended St. Jean de Brebeuf Highschool in Hamilton.This should not stop these guys from fighting , as was stated during Coach's Corner.But you never know. Brothers have fought ?

Hey Grapes we miss your bar in Hamilton.

Best wishes,

Paul Morley
Hamilton,Ontario

I can't believe the league hasn't done anything about this icing rule.I was screaming in pain just watching those players hitting the boards.Send that footage to the head honcho's everyday until something is done.This ain't the caramilk secret.LETS GET THIS SIMPLE PROBLEM FIXED.Thanks Don love the corner. Bob Tighe (tie)

I don't think no-touch icing should be put in place. I think it should be at the discretion of the Referees. It would make no sense to call down an icing if the opposing player is in the clear to negate that icing. At the same time, no injury is worth stopping a mere icing call.

what are the leafs going to do with brendan bell,and why is he only playing 1 mintue a game

Ryan Smith is a great player,however is lucking support from the player Oilers had in their heydays.We need more player like Ryan to have Edmonton Oilers to shine and give a reason to Edmontonians to be proud off.
I am tired to see the same team choking every year before playoff and coming short.
Edmonton is a great hockey town and deserves better.
Greg Mactavish does not have personality Glen Satter had.Players must respect coaches and other teammates.
Just listen to Mark Messier comments and you will know what I mean.
Respectfully,
Jerry

To Ron and Don,

Just wanted to let you know about a great hockey song, "The Hockey Song (Hit Somebody)", written by the late, great American singer-songwriter, Warren Zevon. Even though an American, Mr. Zevon manages to re-create the magic of growing up in Canada, playing pond hockey, and always pursuing the all-Canadian dream of making it to the NHL. The limited skills of "Buddy the Goon" notwithstanding, his drive and determination to achieve his dream are skillfully played out in this song, with a surprising yet fitting conclusion. Might even be worth a mention on Coach's Corner?

Robert Orszulik

Why did they legislate helmets and recommend shields for the players and yet allow a player to punch another player in the face when he is prone on the ice? Which is the most dangerous, a unintentional hit on the head by a high stick or a deliberate right hand punch to a player who is semi conscious and lying on the ice?

Don & Ron, The tribute that was paid to Nicholas Lambden was outstanding. I read another tribute by James Duthie in the TSN news on Feb.20 that also brought a tear to the eye. Belowis the letter I reponded to James Duthie.

James,

What a tribute to Nicholas Lambden!!

As a parent myself the thought of losing a child especially at a game that is so close to the hearts of many us Canadians is unimaginable.

You’re absolutely correct that this was a million to one accident but a million to one to many. I would hope that some good can come out this and have Nicholas’s legacy carry on with some kind helmet law in his name.

I was touched by the many tributes by the media personal such as yourself and Don Cherry. You know as well as I do, to put such a law into effect is a slow process especially to make this nation wide. I have an idea that I’m sure with your connections and others that a message could be sent and get this passed and implemented quickly so we can see these young stars of tomorrow fulfill their dreams. My suggestion is have all the NHL, AHL and JR A etc wear Nicholas’s #12 on their helmets. If we could go even one step further, approach all the helmet manufactures to have this #12 or “Wheels” emblem on the helmets they sell. With media attention to this tragedy, hopefully we will not hear of any other tragedies and get to see the young stars of today fulfill their dreams of tomorrow.

Regards,

Steve Howlett

I haven't been able to catch too many Coaches Corners this year, but I would like to say what a blessing it is to live in an area where HNC and Coaches Corner is telecast. We haven't had a contest like the "greatest Canadian" here in the states. But, if we did, I would write-in Don Cherry. He is a national treasure, one of which we don't have down here in the lower 48. In this day and age where Political Correctness is en-vogue, Don lays it on the line standing for truth, courage and compassion. We don't have any shows (much less a 5 minute a week sports commentary) where anyone honors our fallen troups, police, firefighters, etc. All we can seem to do is bash ours and find fault with them. The one particular Coaches Corner segment that aired this season with the entire show dedicated to fallen heroes was just absolutely fantastic.
May God continue to bless you, Don, for all the Good and Decency you stand for in this world.

Dear Ron & Don
I've loved the game since I was just a little
kid.I'm 48 years old now and I have to say that
the so called new NHL has been very disappointing.These poor players are constantly penalized and at times it seems like they're shell shocked from all the penalties the officials call in a game.These new rules prevent
players from doing their jobs and so frustration sets in,which leads to stupidity,as we all saw in thursday's game with the senators and the sabers.Let these guys play hockey and stop blowing the whistle every time 2 players make contact. Players are getting injured as much now as they did before
but the injuries seem to be more serious and inflicted blatantly and without regard for safety or sportsmanship.Playing defensively will force players to keep their heads up a little more and maybe reduce the amount of concussions in the league. I can't understand why people try to fix things that aren't broken.The NHL needs to get it's act together and put hockey back the way it was.
Keep up the good work guys, and Don tell it like it is!

sincerely, Marco

Don,
Just like you said, these shoulder pads are way to big and who really knows whats wrong now with drury. i also wanted to say its great hearing you and ron every saturday here in buffalo. im looking forward to your opinions tomorrow.

I was touched to hear your heartfelt comments about Nick Lambden. You did the right thing - you may have influenced a few young players out there to where their helments the next time they play hockey at the park...this is a tragedy that is so hard to deal with. I am Nick's Mother's friend and my son was Nick's teammate and friend. We are all struggling to make sense of this loss....

Don,
First off,Some of us Buffalonians that live in Texas turn our NHL packages during intermissions to watch you and Ron.
The hit on Drury was a blatent Intent to injure, Clean hit? Questionable. I pride the NHL for having players who are not out at clubs shooting people, or acting like hooligans off the ice. On the ice they should carry the same worth. Unfortunate as it may be, the Buffalo/Ottawa incident was dramatized on American TV in a very negative manner. We know thats not always hockey. Our players in the NHL are stil the best of rolemodels compared to other leagues.
and This is my Stanley Cup!!!!!

Dale Neudorf, the ref who was attacked in northern saskatchewan last week, is a friend of mine and I think it would be good for Don and Ron to discuss this type of behaviour and how there is no place for it in hockey.

Hi Don,

Always a pleasure to watch you on HNIC. Could you please say hi to my son, Taren Cook and tell him to keep his spirits up. He broke his collar bone 2 weeks ago in a hockey tournament in PEI and his season is done. He was about to check an opponent and caught an edge and fell hard into the boards. He still goes to his team's games and cheers them on. Taren is a big Leafs's fan and especially Mats. He just turned 12 and plays Peewee A hockey for the KV Hawks. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Warm Regards,

Glenn Cook

As much as I hate what Ruff did, I'm not sure he really had a choice. The Sabres certainly had to respond to Chris Neil knocking out one of the Sabres best players out of the game. Yes, technically it was a legal hit by NHL, (though not NFL) standards--he targetted his head and hit him 2 seconds after Drury touched the puck, but did not use his elbow. Yet, if they had attacked Neil the Sabres would have been without Drury, short-handed because of the instigator penalty, and Neil would have been applauded for retaking the initiative in an important game in which the Sabres had scored three straight goals.

However, as Don Cherry would say, legal or not, you must let the other team know that your superstars are off limits. If goons (even though Neil has more talent than most goons) want to fight goons that is okay, but they should leave the stars alone. As the announcers said, teams might now be afraid to push the smaller faster players on the Sabres around.

I hate the principle behind this and I don't like that this is what sells hockey tickets (or that we are all wasting our energies discussing hockey rather than, say, saving the earth), but that is the reality of the game as it stands. You can't make it a penalty to hit certain players so therefore a deterrent or "gentlemen"'s agreement needs to be in place that protects the skilled players. Making hits to the head or hits after the puck is realized a penalty as in football might help, but there is still a strategic advantage to be gained even at the expense of a penalty--at least unless it became 5 minutes and a game misconduct. Not sure if the NHL owners and league officials want to get "down with that".

Grapes,

Captain Canada is truly one of this Nation's greatest leaders of all time. Never to turn down an invitation to represent his country or ask for a timeout while he picked his teeth up off the ice. Mr. Kevin Lowe this has to be the easiest decision since deciding to give Gretzky the puck behind the net on an Oiler's powerplay in the early 80's.

A major media outlet's online frontpage used the word "blindsided" to describe that hit by Neil. A prestigious English language dictionary suggests that when one is blindsided they are attacked from the blind side. The blind side indicates a side where the person being attacked can not be aware that they are the subject of the oncoming attack. Late + Defenseless = cheap and dirty.

Are you honestly going to tell me that Bryan Murray "didn't expect" the Sabres to retaliate after Neil took out their captain? You'd think that after coaching 1200 games he'd be able to read the game a little better. I say he knew what was coming and tried to get the Sabres to back down by putting out a non-fighting line. In the end all he did was hang his top players out to dry.

After the Neil hit, Lindy Ruff had a choice. With the last change, he chose to send goons after Heatley and Spezza.

Those are the facts, and the NHL should suspend Ruff for at least 5 games.

Neil's hit might have been brutal, but it was clean; how many times has Don told player's to keep their heads up...Drury was too busy admiring his pass.

And Peters should be gone for at least 3 games for going after Emery after the 2 goalies tangled...at least Ray was able to laugh at Peters.

Hey Don,

I've bee a fan of yours forever. My dad played in St.Louis and L.A. when you coached in Boston (Frank St.Marseille). Just wanted to let you know that the town of Nipigon/Red Rock has suffered a terrible loss. The paper mill is Red Rock has closed (500 jobs) and the mill in Nipigon was destroyed by fire last week. The town is in dire straits. The OPP detachment in Nipigon is putting on a Charity fundraising hockey game 22 Mar 07 in Nipigon to help those in need. Many of us hockey playing coppers who served in Nipigon will play against a squad of ex-pro and university players from the area. It would be great if Hockey Night in Canada could mention this event and the plight of the town. If there is anything that could be done to help it would be greatly appreciated.

Rob St.Marseille

Don.

your comments about Ryan Smythe are bang on! The Oilers should pay him whatever he wants...

Thank you for your bit on Ryan Smyth "the hardest working guy in the NHL". We Oiler fans love him and would certainly agree with you. It was a treat to see this on Coach's Corner.

I get my fix of Don every week and i thank him for it
I served in the navy for my country and am as proud as Don to be a Canadian, and his few minutes a week rekindles my passion.
Mario

Hi Don & Ron

Nick Lambden was on my hockey team. He was a great hockey player and thank you for putting his picture up and telling the world about how great he was.

Nicholas
Guelph Junior Storm
Atom AA

DON: I WATCH COACHES CORNER EVERY WEEK AND YOU AND RON MAKE A GREAT TEAM. YOU SOMETIMES TALK ABOUT POWER FORWARDS AND YOU HAVE MENTIONED CAM NEELY, BRENDON SHANNAHAN, AND ROCKET RICHARD. ALTHOUGH I AGREE THAT THESE MEN ARE ALL GREAT CHOICES, THE BEST POWER FORWARD OF ALL TIME, HAS TO BE GORDIE HOWE.A TOUGH, TALENTED GOAL SCORER AND PLAY MAKER, WHO WOULD FIGHT AND WAS ALSO A GREAT TWO WAY PLAYER. PLEASE GIVE GORDIE HIS DUE. THANKS, DAVE GALLO ANCASTER, ONTARIO

Don & Ron
As many other Guelphites are posting, THANK YOU so much for your tender moment that you sent out to Nicholas Lambden and his family. The loss was tragic and has hit many of us hard. I have two son's, 10 and 7. My 10 year old son played soccer with Nick and he was the kindest little boy you could meet. Alex frequently talked about how welcome and comfortable Nick made him feel on the field when my son was new to the team.
With my youngest son being a Hockey player as well, you can never stress the importance of their safety, especially in the moments of innocence.
Susan, Andrew and Madison, our prayers are with you now and always, your beautiful boy has been a treasure to us all.

Re: hits from behind

This should be called from all the way from the minors,and we should make the officals more acountable for our kids safety.

Would like to have Don and Ron's views on hockey injuries at the junior level.I have watched my grandson progress in hockey from a six-year old to an eighteen-year old now playing in the OHL. There have been huge improvements in the game where skill and speed have returned, with stickwork, holding,and interference on the way out.
But I am dismayed that the OHL has not made hitting from behind(often into the boards) an
act that is penalized heavily. The stars of tomorrow may not make it beyond junior hockey because boorish and cowardly hits from behind are diabling.
My grandson was put out for six weeks by a hit from behind into the boards. Sam Gagner,also a London Knight and a top OHL scorer is out as I write because of a vicious hit from behind after he scored a goal. I have writen Mr. Branch more than once asking what action the league is taking but get no response. I have no confidence that this type of brutality will be dealt with. In my view, junior hockey is taking a step backward under current leadership. For the sake of our rising stars,I think this issue needs attention and publicity.....Coach's Corner?

Anyone noticed that the top five scorers in the NHL are from Canada ? Three are French-Canadian, one embraced the language while playing in Rimouski. The other is an unbelievable talented player from Ontario. Who says Bilinguilism is not alive and well ? Who says we are not united in Canada ? Who says we can't play skilled hockey ? BTW the top three playmakers are Canadian. And Don and Ron are the best entertainment on television today. Keep up the good work. Keep on supporting our troops.

Re: 67 Leafs Ceremony
Coach,
As a lifelong fan, its events such as the one I witnessed on saturday night that make me proud to be a hockey fan.
The 67 Leafs were in a word, Warriors. A trait that I fear has been lost in todays multi billion dollar sporting franchises.
Now, our heroes are in their 60's, 70's and 80 for some. This could have possibly been the last time all would be assembled for such an honor. My question to you Coach, is Why was the Stanley Cup not brought out onto the ice for the event? It was the only thing missing from what was otherwise a fantastic ceremony.

Regards,

Stewart Henderson

Say what you want about Don Cherry's abrasive TV personality, his often controversial opinions, and the "colorful, stylish suits"-When he pauses to honor a fallen soldier, firefighter, policeman, or a young hockey player who dies tragically, it sends a chill up my spine. It shows me that under that one of a kind suit is a compassionate, patriotic Canadian. In those family's time of grief, to be honored live across Canada, and around the world on the internet must provide some comfort. I may not always agree with Grapes, but you just can't argue with those tributes

Dear Don, Thank you for the tribute to Nicholas Lambden. Although we live in Guelph, we never met Nick or his family. Still, his passing has deeply affected us. We cannot get him out of our thoughts and our hearts are heavy a week later. The fact you were a little choked up too, made us realize how far this little sparkplug's story has reached. He will not be forgotten. Our prayers go out to Nick and his family.

Flora and Rob

I have 3 boys in hockey and the story of that poor 10 year old boy and his family made me hug 3 each one of my kids. After this story I will enforce my helmet rules when my kids are playing with a puck.

I really enjoyed this segment.

I have heard that steve vickers was mentioned as a nobody. Not only did he win the calder ,he is also a great guy who has helped myself and other friends in thier hockey careers. Steve Vickers is the man.

Don,

I love your show, and have been watching since I was seven and lived in Keswick, Ontario. I always idolized Bobby Orr, whom I personally believe to be the best ever along with Mario Lemieux. I would like to know if it's possible to get more clips of great defensive plays on the air. I've seen some in your videos but I'd like to see some footage from your stash at HNIC. I haven't seen enough in my 21 years.

Sincerely,
Tim

Mr. Cherry,
I've grown up watching HNIC, and you're like 'Uncle Grapes' to me. I was deeply saddened by the story about the poor young boy whose parents, despite the incredible sorrow they must be in, made the plea to use helmets-ALWAYS. I'm Quadriplegic from a skiing accident, a helmet might have helped me...but after seeing Coach's Corner, 14 years in a wheelchair is a godsend-I wish there was something I/WE could do. I'm so lucky to be alive,
with respect and admiration,
Brent Frew

How about Ryan Smyth on a line with the Sedin twins?

Mr Cherry,
After years of teaching young players good hockey skating form, you now tell them that long sticks are better, or at least you like them. You must now please tell them you were referring to older established players, please! Young players need to shorten their stick, it not only gives them better puck control but gets them to bend their knees, which as you know is everything when it comes to skating properly. The longer stick is great for the poke check or some players slapshoot but not for skating. I can't belive how many kids skate around with two to three inches of end sticking out of their glove. Once they get these skills engrained in their brain they can then start to play with stick lengh.

Mr. Cherry
Saturday evening you were pointing out
some of the great '67 Leafs pre-game. One
great walked past and you commented that he was nobody.He is Steve Vickers of the Rangers,
Calder trophy winner in '73 I do beleive.Love
your show and I know you will make things right. Thanks.

Steve Vickers is and always will be a somebody and a legend in the NYC area. I took great offense to him being referred to as a nobody, especially that I grew up watching him play for the Rangers. I hope you don't treat all Canadian born Hockey Players with that kind of respect. The US and especially NY, welcomes Mr. Vickers anytime.

Dear Don
I have been watching you in the uk for 4 years now,i can get over how passionate
you are for one of the greatest sports ever invented,The thing that really moves me is how you remeber people from the forces ,police and fire dept,and children that have lost their lives,belive me you get the message over,and makes people think how lucky they are.Once again thanks Don,you are a true Canadian hero

Dear Mr. Cherry:

We were told this morning that you mentioned Nicholas Lambden from guelph on you program.
We were unable to watch the game and just watched the segment on line, it brought tears to many eyes.
My nephew plays for the guelph storm and this accident has touched our home.
Thank you Don. You are a professional in every way.
God bless you Sue and Andrew our prayers are with you and your son.

As a resident of Guelph, I was really touched by your comments regarding the tragedy that hit our town last week. I cringe every time I see kids playing hockey outside with no helmets. My brothers, when growing up would never play shinny outside without my parents making them wear a helmet. It only takes a split second to change a family forever. My heart and prayers go out to the Lambden family in this terrible tragedy. Always know that our fine city of Guelph are thinking of you.

Dear Mr. Cherry,

On Saturday nights, my six year old son and I watch Hockey Night in Canada. I am so glad you talked about the importance of wearing a helmet. My prayers are with that family and I thank them for having the courage to warn other families despite the pain of their loss. You will be happy to learn that early Sunday morning, I found my son on his rollerblades in the garage playing hockey.... with his helmet on! He was listening to you Mr. Cherry! God bless!

Hockey Mom in Halifax

Mr. Cherry,

I was disappointed and surprised that you would make a negative comment about the '67 Leafs during the your Coach's Corner segment on February 17.

In response to Mr. MacLean's prompting about your liking Terry Sawchuk and Dave Keon, you said "... 'cause the only one that would talk to us minor leaguers. We were like dirt to the rest of the guys. Hate to say it but it's the truth."

Saturday's pre-game ceremony was staged to honour the '67 Leafs and provide an opportunity for Leaf fans to show their appreciation. You should have put aside your personal feelings, be they justified or not, and allow the celebratory mood to linger a little longer. The night was not about you.

For someone who rightly criticizes players and coaches for "showing up" their opponents by excessive celebration of goals or running up the score, I thought that your comments were inappropriate and lacking in class. Good sportsmanship is a quality that should be practiced off the ice as well as on.

Bob

Don & Ron,

Great segment and a nice tribute to the brave Winipeg Firefighters. You've always been very patriotic and proud of Canada and truly unite the country.

The story about the 9 year old boy was a tough one. Words can't describe the loss at such a young age.

We just started family hockey and both our kids are fully geared up including full cages. I told them the story about the boy and the importance of protecting your head whether it be hockey, biking, skiing etc.

I also was thankful for my helmet as I took a bad fall, landed on my backside and smacked my head with such force on the ice. If I hadn't been wearing a helmet who knows what could have hapenned.

Keep up the great work!

Never Helmetless Lesson
NHL

i wanted to thank Don for his comments about Ryan Smyth. As a lifelong fan of the Edmonton oilers i find it disheartening that they have not locked up a multi-year deal with Ryan. He is the heart and soul of this oilers team, and as Don put it if anyone deserves the money it is Ryan Smyth. I also believe that if they somehow do not make a deal happen and Ryan Smyth ends up going to some other team they are going to offend and more than likely lose alot of loyal and long time fans that are sick and tired of watching a team that has a chance at doing something in the following season or playoffs being dismantled time and time again. I for one am tired of hearing about rebuilding because it has been going on since we lost gretzky so many years ago and we came so close last year only to have the team torn apart again.

Don I just want to say that I love to hear you each week and I want to thank CBC for broadcasting your show each week on here. Me being an american I never get good hockey coverage down here. And i look forward to listening to you each week.

Hey Don, good thing you mentioned Ryan Smith
But I'm surprised you are talking about someone who didn't play for the Leafs or Bruins.
It's a miracle.

Memo to Ron & Don & Harry & Bob. There exists hockey outside of Toronto. It's true. I've seen it.

Stop showing Leaf games & show something else. I'm tired of seeing a team that hasn't won in 40 years and has the most losses in NHL history.

Why keep torturing us?

Ron & Don,

Aloha from Hawaii! As a Canadian living in the U.S. I don't get to watch HNIC, but every Sunday morning I go online to catch your Coach's Corner segment. I love the fact that we can now see the game clips - Don's insightful game play analysis just wasn't the same without them. Believe me, listening to the OLN and HD Net guys talking about the game is downright painful! In any event, my main reason for sending this note today is to say thanks for honoring those great Canadians who pay the ultimate sacrifice in keeping all of us safe. There's no question that professional athletes can be looked upon as role models, and within the context of the game, even "heros". But sacrificing a few front teeth, whilst I'm sure is painful and shows some degree of personal sacrifice for the team, pales in comparison to the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform (military, police, fire, EMS, Coast Guard, etc). I think its great that you take the time to honor these "heros" every opportunity you get as it certainly provides context for what true sacrifice is, not to mention putting a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye every time. And all of that IN ADDITION to providing the best NHL coverage anywhere. I think it means a lot to Canadians, especially those who lay their lives on the line every day. Keep up the great work.

Hey Don, that "nobody" was a good old Markham boy like myself, he wore his heart on his sleeve and didnt shy away from anybody. 72 Calder winner, and appearing in the 74 Cup final, when your Bruins were beat by the French Canadians. O did I mention 2 All Star games as well. I Love you Don and Ron keep up the good work, but dont let Steve Vickers go un noticed.

Hi Ron & Don
Just a quick note about helmets - all though I love a good fight, maybe the linesmen and refs should engage when the helmets come off -nobody wants to see a cracked skull - that's not what we came out/tuned in to see. More and more, great passing, good "D" and the awesome save are what the audience wants to savour. I want to commend you for your unwavering support for our troops and the mission they have been given. As a proud grandson of a WW1 & WW2 veteran, I applaud your candid approval of the fight against terrorism and those who wish to KILL our way of life. I only wish the rest of our country would do the same.

Sincerely,

Scott O'Brien

P.S. I'd love it, if you read this onair!

Ron & Don

I, like many others look forward to Saturday Night. It is the best part of the weekend in winter for myself and my son.It is our "prime time"
And as stated by many others before me.I thank you both for the respect you give the vets, armed forces,police and firemen.
As well as us good standing Legion members:)

Hey Don. I agree with you. Ryan Smyth is hockey, and the face of the Oilers. He plays the way a "good canadian" should play. He is well deserving of a BIG pay raise.

-Mike-

Ron & Don,

Somehow you both manage to unite us across Canada. Hockey truly is the one activity that can unite Canadians regardless of nationality.

I loved your tribute to the firefighters.

Salute to a class act and here is to many more years of you representing hockey on CBC!

James

Don and Ron

Thanks for the comments on two of our bravest Firefighters. It was Captain Harold Lessard who ordered his guy out the window during the flashover.

Both Captains Lessard and Tom Nichols led their men into the fire for rescue and firefighting operations and they did not leave until all their men were out. Two of those brave men remain in hospital with severe burns.

We all watch Hockey Night in Canada from the firehalls and Coach's Corner is always a favourite. Now I know why, you guys are a class act.

Alex Forrest
President
United Firefighters of Winnipeg

Don,
Like a lot of Canadians, I look up to you, but when you call a former Calder Trophy winner a nobody, that doesn't say a lot about you as a hockey person. He played the game the way you preach, hard nosed, never backing down, and always sticking up for his teamates. Being the great Canadian you are, I'm sure you'll do whats right and devote a whole coaches corner to Steve Vickers highlights. Seriously though, 698 nhl games played, 586 points, sure sounds like a somebody to me. How many NHL games did you play??

Ron & Don,

I just want to say thank you for honouring Nicholas Lambden. This week has been one that many of us will NEVER forget. Just as we will NEVER forget Nick.

Not only will he live on in our memories and our hearts, but through his ultimate gift, many others will have a chance to live on as well. It only takes a split second for the whole universe to change.

As Sue and Andrew remind us ..."beautiful Nick is flying with angels ... we love you forever and ever".

Thank you.

Hi Don:
That "Nobody" following Pete Stemkowski tonight was my "somebody", Steve Vickers, a Calder Cup winner and former New York Ranger...#8 on the ice and #1 in my heart!!
Always enjoy watching your show,
Joanne Vickers

Ron & Don,

Hey guys, i just have to say thank you for honouring the two Winnipeg firefighters tonight. You guys are great supporters of the Canadian Forces, Fire, Emergency, Rescue, and Police services. Being a member of the Canadian Forces myself, i feel proud to have such great Canadians like you two, to mention us every chance you get. Canadians are finally starting to realise the efforts and work we do at home and abroad.
I was in Williston, North Dakota recently, attending an Atom tournament, coaching a team from Moose Jaw, and i saw more Canada flags in their arena's than you see at home in Canada. Why is that? Canadians should be more patriotic, and fly the flag!
Thanks, that's all!

Don,

Just a little comment about your pre-game show on the 67 Leafs. You were announcing some of the players as they walked through the hallways of the ACC. As one person walked by you stated he was a "nobody" or you did not recognize him. Just to let you know that person was Steve Vickers. Who played for the New York Rangers for 11 years. He was also the Clader Trophy winner in 73. I am just informing you on this as Steve Vickers was a player who could do it all. Just like Ryan Smith, but with much better hair! Love Coaches corner Mr Cherry, you make us Canadians proud!!!

Dear Mr. Cherry -
Let me begin by saying 'Thank You' for this episode of Coach's Corner - not for the hockey news and views that are given (and very much enjoyed), but for paying tribute to those Canadians who make a difference. Just the fact that someone in your position has the integrity to extoll the virtues of courage, duty and in the next breath, shine a light on a young life cut short in a freak accident, makes me proud to be Canadian. It has been said before that you, above all others, stand up straighter at the first notes of our national anthem and for good reason - you are PROUDLY CANADIAN. I too, am proud to be Canadian, but right now, I'm more proud of the fact that Canada has Don Cherry to make us all aware that no one in this country is merely ordinary. Thank you!