Smyth situation mishandled by both parties

I don't know about the Ryan Smith Trade to the Islanders, but could the CBC trade Don, Rod and Bob to the WWF for future considerations? It would be an improvement to constructive commentary.

Dear CBC sports:
I was wondering if anybody taped Don, Rod and Bob at the same moment when the Islanders won the shoot out in Jersey? Could we watch it please? Actually a clip of their faces during the full shoot out would be good and of course for the next few minutes after. It would be nice to see that look of extreme saddness and tears pouring out of their Torontian eyes.
I am hoping that CBC does not allow them to be part of the telecasts for the Flames and Cunucks and their season is over with the leafs.

Ron and Don,

I would just like to take this oppurtunity to thank you two gentlemen for mentioning the fallen men and women of this fine country weather they be soldiers, police, firefighters or a canadian making a difference. This message is in regards to a couple of weeks ago seeing the Ottawa Senators owner in Afganistan. I think an event like that is is a great for the troops and I feel a visit from you two would send moral souring. There are just two many hockey fans in the military to not appreciate a visit from two of you.

Do you honestly believe that the Islanders are going to lose tomorrow? I would not be surprised to hear Gary Bettman call Lou and tell him to bring up some players from the East Coast League.

The Habs losing, cost two Canadian teams out of the Playoffs.

The Ryan Smyth trade was a WIN/WIN!!!

Ryan now has an outside shot at making the playoffs & he'll also make more money on his next contract.

Face it Edmontonians- Ryan cares about Ryan.

Probably close to 98% of all players would pack their bags & move to a new team for an extra $100,000/year

It'd be like us common folks leaving our jobs for a 50 cent raise...HOLLA!!!

Don, did you really pronounce Luongo's name "Lalongo"?

I don't think there's any more proof that you could ever give that you and everyone there has a ridiculous amount of eastern bias, we have a better goaltender than the leafs have had for decades, and is one of the best goalies in the world, and you can't even say his name. He was in your conference for 6 years for god sakes.

It is incrediable that the NHL is becoming such a prom dance driven by a person who never danced in his life . The integrety of the game is becoming comprimised for the benifit of a suite . If we try to sell the game and force it on the americans we are taking away from the beauty of game. Remember the game is bigger then the people .

Can anyone explain to me how after losing 2 very popular teams in Quebec and Winnepeg, "becasue the monetary structure of the league dictated their demise", (a.k.a. players salaries put them of buisness as they couldn't compete with the "Big Market" team's deep pockets), The league still decided to give Minnesota a new franchise after it folded in 1993?! Why hasn't the same olive branch 9 or in Minnesotas case thewhole damn orchard) been extended to these franchises or even a new Canadian one... like Hamilton perhaps?! The argument I heard back then was money money money... well the salary cap forced down the players throats by Mr. Bettman has allegedly removed that bogus smokescreen now. Parity in the league for all...??? Or is it parity only south of the border??? I will answer my own question, Gary Bettman was a failed basketball commissioner and now he's a failed hockey commissioner. Correction, he failed us long ago; we the real board of directors for the N.H.L., ... The Fans. Cancer kills and must be removed at the first discovery for hope of a full recovery. I hope we don't wait too long and end up with league of true parity; everyone equally out of buisness when the fans say, " Mr. Bettman thank you for all you've done for/to our game, We really can't tell the differnce between no hockey in the lock out and no hockey at all!" Ahhhh yes ... parity, as you promised Mr Bettman. Reply at kayceewclark@hotmail.com

Dear Don and Ron, Pt1
I am a long time fan of H.N.I.C. and an even bigger fan of Canada's most maligned N.H.L. franchise, The Tornto Mapleleafs. I would like to formally request the resignation and/or removal of the worst thing to happen to hockey since I was able to understand right and wrong...Gary Bettman. This is not an act that should be carried out over a lengthy process of laywers and "experts", debating and discussing dead issues already established, after this cancer has been identified. Cut the disease out! I have never been so disgusted with the game of hockey in all my life. I am Canadian, I know hockey and Mr. Bettman this Frankenstein's Monster which you have devised is not hockey sir. Mr. Bettman has been in power for nearly 15 years now, what a mess to have been made in such a short period of time. Franchises closing (Quebec,Winnipeg to name the most prominent two), and (in the case of Minnesota) "re-opening" in the same city; an official's strike in 93'; Part of the season lost in 94'-95'; 2004-2005, loss of the complete season; and most importantly to the real fans of the game a producton the ice that is as painful to watch many nights as it is to chart all the changes to it over Mr. Bettman's tenure.

When is the league going to get rid of that dreaded instigating rule? Since it's inception, the cheap shots to the head and sticks to the upper body have gotten way out of control.The players done a pretty good job of policing themselves until a group of do-gooders (who I'm sure must have came over from a European league)thought they would change our game so the american faint of heart could watch.Here is a thought,let's drop the rule and bring back a little emotion to the sport.Think it will work?

I've played hockey for 17 years, and all of my minor and junior hockey was spent in BC. I love the Canadian game, and agree with SOME of Don's comments regarding russians and americans. The Canadian game is tougher, PERIOD. Go LEAFS!

Hi Don and Ron,

I have been living in Italy for six months and one of the things I miss most about home is watching CBC's Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday night. I have been trying to play hockey in Italy, however, it is not the same as playing the game in Canada. I watch every episode of hockey night in Canada on the CBC website and I just wanted to comment on last weeks episode about Canadian players leading the league in every aspect of the game. This is great to see and I am extremely proud of our talented young Canadian hockey players. I can tell you that we are world renowned for our skills in the game and I hope to see more of this in the future.

Shelby Myers -23-

the olers were having a garage sale thats it but they got kent nillsons son in return smyth needs to realign his priorities and signin the off season don do you aree wjth what chris simon did and how would you handle it

Folks, doesn't it only seem right to suspend a player creating the infraction (like Jannsen) for the same amount of time as the injured player is out? And that would be the LEAST amount. Somehow link the players salary (creating the infraction) to a injured fund? A player like Moore is now struggling to make ends meet while Bertuzzi is still in the NHL. Don ... I've emailed you one this but haven't heard anything from you.

Having come from Ontario to Edmonton 5 years ago I am faithful to two jerseys now; the Leafs, from a lifetime growing up in southern Ontario, and the Oilers for a great sense of pride for my new home. I was as shocked as anyone when I learned of the Smyth trade, and understand it is only natural to feel a sense of sadness when a long-time loyal and homegrown player such as Smyth is made to move on. What is truly sad though, as I realized days later, is that the sense of community that Smyth brought to Edmonton extended far beyond his moments in the Oiler jersey, and that too left with him. He and his family were actively involved in local charities, he was spokesperson for many causes, and was not just a local hero but a much needed role model for many of the Edmonton youth. He was a true Edmontonian exemplifying pride in his community for the manner which he carried himself. He touched many lives in northern Alberta and his popularity at home was as much for who he was not as well as for who he was here. He was did not personify himself to be in a league above the average citizen but rather one of them. He knew that some of the most important moments in your life are not always on the ice. We in Edmonton were as proud of him as a hockey hero as he was proud to be a part of Edmonton. It is rare in pro-sports today, to find an athlete who has his feet on the ground. So we will miss Ryan Smyth the former Edmonton Oiler hockey player, but we will also miss Ryan Smyth as an important member of the Edmonton community.

Don, There is a simple solution to the shoot out situation. Each team must use 3 players who have not participated in the shoot out in previous games. Once all players on the team have competed once, then the entire team would cycle through again. This stops teams playing for the shoot out as it becomes luck of the draw. Also the league gets what it wants, which is the entertainment value. What hockey fan wouldn't want to see Wade Belak in the shoot out? As far as the players go, suddenly this adds an element of fun instead of more presure and what if a player such as Belak scored to win the shoot out? Anyways my 3 hockey playing daughters, whom are all 15 years old (figure that one out)and I never miss coaches corner. You are a great Canadian.

NHL ABOVE THE LAW: MAN O to MAN O

Gord Jantzen (Poet lauerate of Hockey Nite in Canada) March 9, 2007

The NHL has always been a MAN's league -- more manly than the UFC. Professionally once you step on the ice you have accepted an agreement to an OPEN unwritten code. At the end of the day, in the modern world of spins it's left up to a lawsuit of Moore vs Bert in a court of law. However, this unwritten contract will hopefully be challenged properly in a court of law. The NHL has willfully condoned this type of violent acts for years despite the obvious legal risks at stake.

Historically the THUG part of the NHL has always been a part of the game. The 50's and 60's where filled with bench-clearing brawls.
Finally, perhaps Steve Moore's legacy to a great game will be fought in the courts to make it a more sane and practical league. Otherwise the old unwritten MAN ACT of the NHL "MAN's LEAGUE " applies. Boyz should stick to curling by the old rules. A clear assault off ice becomes clouded during a "NHL sectioned event". You can't have it both ways with the rule of law. Even a fight on the ice is illegal. It's time for all hockey management brass – from the NHL to Junior leagues and fans alike to awaken to the obvious oversight that has lived through hockey’s own history. A paradigmn moment will happen sooner than later. Hopefully we don't have to wait for someone to die during a NHL hockey game to see proper legal corrections in what has always been an extremely voilent game guised under the falsehood of a sport.

Smyth is good player. Not an elite player. He should have taken the deal that was given to him. If he truly wanted to be an Oiler for life, money should not have been an issue especially when you are talking about millions of dollars and you are holding out for a few dollars more. You are set for life Ryan. You play a good game, but I don't put you in the same class as a Crosby or a Thornton.

Ron - Was honoured to hear you speak at yesterday's FCC conferance in Moncton. Your presentation was very entertaining and enlightening. I really enjoyed the Fanta / NAFTA exchange between you and that other fellow ................

Grapes, Why aren't the Leafs playing Yanic Perrault!! We gave up 2 Draft Picks and Brendan Bell for a Guy who plays 7 Minutes and 10:53 a night. He is an All-star!!

Hello Ron and Don;
I was rather surprised that the trade took place.I moved to Edmonton in 1979 when posted there via the military .the year that the Oilers became an NHL team, and just moved to Scarborough this past summer after the Oilers came so close to winning Lord Stanley's Cup.

I was spoiled during the Gretzky era, and when Messier, Coffey,Lowe, Mctavish,Huddy,Simpson were all still playing.

Frustrated when the team would grow and various members would part for greener pastures and bigger bank accounts.

I could not believe that Ryan Smyth had been traded.The first thing that went through my head was that they are giving up on the playoffs and going back to "developing" young players so they can live for tomorrow.I don't blame Kevin Lowe, he's the guy that takes the heat but it's done now.

I always admired Ryan Smyth for his dedication and loyalty to the Team, as well as his hard work.The heart and soul of the team in my opinion. I learned the hard way when Peter Puck sold Wayne Gretzky and the hearts of Edmontonians did break. It's a business first but to many of us it's more than that...and when this stuff happens it also becomes less and lower than that.

I hope Ryan Smyth gets a chance to win a cup sometime in his career, this year would be good.I really hope he doesn't go back to Edmonton in the summer. I think the wound will heal, and for practical reasons Ryan would go back to Edmonton in a flash, but those guys who run the Oilers need to respect the paying public and a player who obviously loved his job as an Oiler but a job that didn't love him back. It matters to Ryan, and it matters to the fans. I'll probably always be an Oilers fan,it's in my blood now, but I sometimes wonder why I bother.

Don,
I went to the most recent London Knight game anticipating a fantastic game btwn London and Kitchener but was thoroughly disappointed when the refs took over and completely ruined a great night out. I have never seen a game so one sided against a home team in all my life and I am not a die hard London fan. It was disgusting and if these are the types of refs that end up in the NHL then they have a problem coming. I would appreciate if you or your team could evaluate this team and give me your comments.
Utterly disgusted,
Darren Neil

Once again an injury occurs on the icing finishing a player off for the season. Don Cherry has been begging for a rule change for many years now and I can't figure out why there hasn't been a rule change. I think the NHL is afraid to implement any rule that Don is a supporter of, as it may offend any potential new fans in the US that lean heavily on the side of political correctness. When Don steps down as the star of "Coach's Corner" and is out of the limelight for a while, the NHL will change the rule. Then they can say "look what we did; no one will get injured on an icing call again", and Don Cherry won't get any credit for the rule change.

Hey Don: Please beg your Boss's at the CBC to broadcast HNIC on Sirius satellite Radio. I live and work in a northern remote part of the Country and can't always catch HNIC on the tube. I do get a few games through the week, but it would be awesome if I could hear Coach's Corner while working those long cold nights deep in the bush. Love the show...

Jim

Ron/Don,
Love watching HNIC, as I tend to share the same opinions expressed on this segment...well those relating to hockey anyways. Just one thing that really stood out that I am having problem with is the showing of footages that players in the bench hitting their sticks against the board and fans are cheering during a fight to mean that they like fighting. It might but it the two doesn’t necessary equate. Here’s why they might do it:
1)Peer pressure: if one guy on the bench starts to bang his stick, you don’t want to be the one on the bench not doing; Don will probably single you out. Same goes for the fans, you don’t want to be the one not clapping. Don will probably single you out.
2)Team spirit/support: your team mate decided to fight, so the least you can do is cheer him on.

If you take a secret poll, I am sure most guys will say though it is occupational hazards and it comes with the big pay but who really wants get beat up or beat someone up, willingly. In some cases, lead to career ending, or worst fatal, tragedies (touch wood).

It’s a hockey rink and a hockey game, not the Coliseum or war in Afghanistan for haven sakes.

Maybe CBC should have parental viewer discretion for hockey due to the possible scenes of violence, too.

Hockey fan
see if this negative-toned feedback make it online.

I hate to see hits like Kaberle took. I would like the league to make a slight rule change to eliminate this stupidity. Even the ' Goon" has worked his butt off to get to the NHL so in cases where a cheap shot like Janssens take place the offending player should not play until the injured player is cleared to play. It would eliminate the head shots because even the goon wants to play.

As far as the Symth trade, I would have liked to have seen him in Toronto. even up for McCabe. Did you see the give away in the third at New Jersey. That would have been a big win/lose for Toronto/Edmonton.
Who in Toronto is going to take on the Ottawa bullies? Probably Tucker.

Keep up the good work. I think you and Ron do a terrific job. Appreciated your work on behalf of Kingston's memorial cup bid and your continuing promotion of safety for kids in hockey.

Thanks for the 5 minutes on Tucker/Kaberle and 2 seconds on the Smytty trade/give away Grapes. Toronto loses their best player to injury, Edmonton loses their best player FOREVER!!! Looks like our tax paying dollars are going to a good cause. And thanks to the disclaimer, my comment will probably not be posted...

Great to sit here in melbourne and be able to watch coaches corner on cbc.ca, just wish we could get a few games down here, i'm missing hockey. Agree with everything don had to say, but i just wish he'd stop putting up every policemen,firemen,soldier who has passed away. I applaud the reasoning but its a hockey show. Stick to hockey, its not rememberance day everyday...plus Ron never gets a chance to do his witty play on words anymore, that was always half the highlight...cheers

Well I like hockey very much.I like hockey because I played hockey when I was in grade 2,3 and now I am in grade 4.I still wach NHL with my mom Allison Armstrong.I wach my mom when she plays hockey.I sometimes play hockey when I can go out on the ice at the school just across the road.I am 9 years old right now.I like the sports on CBC.But now I have to go to bed now so bye for now.So T.T.F.N. tah,tah for now.

Ryan smith is a legend , terrible move by the oilers ,

a little bad trade never hurt anybody

I am against the no-touch icing rule being discussed around the league. The reason why guys get hurt is because the trailer doesn't want to put on the brakes when he loses the race to the puck. I constantly see the guy who touches the puck first getting slammed into the boards, tripped up, and getting hurt. Look at rockhead Chris Neil in that clip with the Carolina defenseman. Do you think he is REALLY trying to touch the puck first? I certainly don't think so. Neil is on the ice for one reason and that is to hurt guys and knock them out of commission. We need players in the league that will play the game right and play it hard. Dirty players like Neil need to be shown the door, never to be seen again. Don Cherry for NHL Commish!!

Don you are the best. I watch Coaches Corner as often as possible.You always tell the truth,and if somebody doesn't like it too bad,change channels.I have the complete set of yor videos,two posters framed on my wall, a cardboard facsimile of you,two collector pucks and an autographed picture of the GREAT Bobby Orr.Keep up the good work Don you are my hero.

For the record I have played hockey since I was 13 years old and I have watched hockey at the local arenas in rural Saskatchewan and Manitoba since I was five years old. I am 37 years of age and I still have all of my original teeth ...so far. If you do not play hockey please do not cut down Don Cherry. It frustrates me. Whatever he says about North American hockey makes total sense if you actually play the game and understand the game of hockey. Everytime you step on the ice you need to keep your head up and know what your opponent is doing. I was dissappointed with the Ryan Smyth trade. I think Ryan may have the opportunity to work with a different team and I wish him all the best. He can always play with the Canadian Olympic team in Vancouver in 2010 so that is not such a bad thing. It is kind of hard to see a hockey player cry. I kind of teared up but I was running to hard on the treadmill to really have a good cry. And I hope the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup.
Sincerely,
A girl hockey player and no I do not play ringette
A F Armstrong :)

Hey Don, I love your commentary, and I agree with you most of the time, but I just cannot understand you constantly putting down Long Island. We are mostly decent people here, and once you get to know the place, it's not a bad place to live, either. Please, give us a break down here.

Ryan Smyth should never have been traded. As a Canucks fan I am still disturbed by this (weird, eh?). By the way, I think Kevin Lowe has Ryan's front teeth posted for sale on Ebay. Ryan's a great example of a Canadian hockey player. I call my son mucker for a reason.

Don,

For the love of God man, please take a pay cut (you're wealthy enough now, aren't you?), run for a federal seat and run this country properly. If no, well, keep up the good work. Don Cherry for president,... er, prime minister.

Mr. Cherry is the man, but even he is missing the boat here. It's time to penalize head shots. Watching the Scott Steven's top 10 hits tribute video was enough to convince me. Otherwise, just keep telling the players to keep their heads up and let the carnage continue. I'll watch either way, it's not me here in Jersey getting brained, odds are it'll be some kid from Toronto.

This is in response to buddy at the top there who thinks he knows more than Don Cherry.
Im gunna have to say that your wrong pal...not Cherry. Don has countless accounts of predicting outcomes in hockey. example, the Lindros Hit...and now he is right agian abot the touch icing.
Anyone who plays hockey knows...that when one of your best players ( kabrle) goes down like that... its someone/anyones responsability to step in and defend the teams honor... winning or loosing agianst jansen doesent matter... its the teams Honor that is at stake....

This is what Mr.Cherry understands along with all canadians who actually play the sport...
Your the man Don... Keep up the great work!

I like watching Don...he's entertaining and him and Ron make for classic Canadiana..however..Don, you are usually wrong..I've kept this opinion quiet now for a long time...but the fact is you are usually wrong..and your comments about the Kaberle hit? Wrong...yeah the Leafs should have stuck up for Kaberle...but it almost seems as if you are condoning this type of play in hockey...

Keep up the work Don...

The way things work in this new NHL don't be surprised to see Smyth back with the Oilers next season. It's not like it used to be,when players got traded and stayed with that team. Now this lame "rental system" allows players and teams to swap players for a short period of time and then resign them back the next season. Unless the Iles have Smyth locked in long term,they got ripped off and the Oilers just got a huge return. This rental system, along with the new lame rules have taken the heart out of the NHL.

We'll see what this guy is made of tonight & Thursday night when the Battles of NY takes Front & Center...can't wait ! These next 2 games are what we gave up our future for...so let's go Smittie !!!!!!!!

While the hit on Kaberle was later than the one on Drury (not by much), did it deserve a suspension where as Neil does not? Absolutely, and 3 games isn't enough. Maybe if Kaberle had his head up he wouldn't have taken such a shot and it appears the injury came as a result of his head hitting the boards. It makes me wonder if Drury wasn't able to leave the ice on his own or if he played for the Leafs, would Neil have been on the ice to break that guys arm. Keep your head up and know who is on the ice at all times.

Hi,
Once again I agree with Don. As always he says things that everyone elese is afraid to say ... keep going Don.

I do have two complaints .. though ... and they are not with Don or Ron ... they are with the CBC.
1. Why do you not commit the entire first intermission to Coach's Corner. It is probably the most popular part of the program and Don seems to always be running out of time. I am sure there is sufficient time there as well for all the other game updates. Come on CBC
2. For a NATIONAL broadcaster the CBC sure does not seem like it. The first game on Saturday night should be rotating on a continual basis between Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. If the local areas want to run their team then fine. Give the exposure to all the Canadian teams. I live in Thunder Bay and I am sick of watching Toronto ... SWITCH IT UP !!! The same could be done on the second game as well, rotate between Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton. Come on ... fair is fair ... switch it up !!!!

LJH

I agree with most here. Kevin Lowe is going to regret trading Ryan Smyth. Didn't we go through this when Gretzky was traded? Ryan will do well, but I don't know about the Oilers.
I also think Janssen's hit on Kaberle was a cheap one. No matter what anyone says. The same should've applied to Ovechkin on Briere though. And I believe the "hitter" should be suspended as long as the guy is out.
And how was it that the refs were all watching the guy with the puck, (toronto) and no other guys around him?
Shouldn't one ref be watching the guy with the puck and the other ref, the guy who passed the puck? I thought the 2 ref system was for that. Just look at the replay, the ref is like 15 feet away from the hit. How can you miss it?

Don and Ron, you guys rock.
Grapes though, Nice job on Hockeyville introducing Noelville, but ya gotta say it right. Noel (like Nowell) then Ville. Other than that, nice to see the big guy introduce us. You Rock Grapes.

I think your awesome Don Cherry. Hope you stay with Hockey Night in Canada for 20 more years.

Louise in Noelville (Nowell-ville)

Don, once again you hit the nail on the head! What is Edmonton Oilers' General Manager, Kevin Lowe thinking? Ryan Smyth was the face of the Edmonton Oilers' Franchise. I guess the Oilers are saying "Forget about another possible Stanley Cup Run this year" I really don't understand this at all! Could this possibly spell the end of Craig Mac Tavish as Edmonton Oilers Head Coach! I mean Kevin Lowe really dropped the ball by dealing Ryan Smyth , well anywhere. Grant it, I realize the Oilers are a Small-Market Club, and also the Canadian-Based Teams are at a disadvantage, but was Smyth willing to re-structure his contract to remain in Edmonton? Anybody who may have a potential answer please chime in.

as kevin lowe said on after hours about a player on your team, that you drafted,has been there from the very beginning,12 years for ryan smyth, how would you know what he is worth except for doing what he did?the oilers should be able to sign him again in july.if they pay more , oh well. now they know.

it is always the little guy(the fan)that gets hurt.we are not going to be fooled no more..we ,the fans, are tired of seeing our talent go south. i understand the rest of it but you have to get back to the fans.THEY are the heart and soul of the team.do you agree, that ,something, in hockey today as we know it, has to change in order for us not to see another example of the ryan smyth ordeal?

It's been many years since I've tuned Cherry out, but I was curious and bored today. What would he say about the dangerous late hit to Kaberle? Did I hear correctly? It was a cheap shot BUT it was Kaberle's fault for not seeing him coming? What?!?!?!

Keep on watching boys. Ra-ra Canada. Listen to everything he says. Ra-ra Canada. Don't think for yourself. Ra-ra Canada. There's a "left wing" media that covers hockey (what?). Ra-ra Canada. If anyone disagrees, call them wimps. Ra-ra Canada.

Pathetic.

Hey Canada! Get a life! The world will turn and hockey will go on without Smyth in Edmonton. The NHL is a business just like the NBA,NFL or Major League baseball. Decisions that are not popular will be made. It's not just about Canada like most Canadians think!
[I bet this will be posted]

ryan smith is the greatest grinder to ever lace up the skates ,worst trade in nhl history ,
go blues go

first of all, i'm tired of hearing albertans complaining about their small market teams not being able to compete with larger markets (the islanders a big market? give me a break!). The "new" nhl corrected this "imbalance" with the salary cap, so that argument is done. In fact, the salary cap only really had an adverse effect on two teams, the Leafs and the rangers and maybe the avalanche. Second, Tomas Kaberle is a top three defenseman in the league, he is an "allstar". The cheap shot to his head should have resulted in the running of Brodeur. Don't get me wrong, i like brodeur but if they're going to run our best defensive player we should have done the same to them. But the real kicker in this one is that the devil didn't even get a penalty. the leafs should have gotten 5 minutes on the pp as a result of that hit but what did we get? nothing...was i surprised...not really. recently, the refs have been ripping us off. The non goal against the islanders, which, by the way, was a beautiful goal. the non call against sundin and the high stick he took against montreal and now the kaberle hit. i could go on and on and on with this but you get the picture.

Don
Very disappointing to hear you calling the Leafs whiners because Kaberle got smoked by a dirty illegal hit and said something about it.Your always trumpeting the touch up offside because you're afraid someones going to get seriously injured. Why don't you see these deliberate headshots the same way? Anytime someones head is the primary target of a hit, it's very dangerous and needs to be addressed.

Love to see some love for Rochester. Don only shows some respect cause he used to coach there but the way the call ups are playing in Buffalo is impressive. Where was the emotion on the leafs after the kaberle hit? It was an even dirtier hit than the drury hit but at least the sabres did something about it. What type of game has it become one teammates don't stand up for each other after things like that.

A three-game suspension for Janssen's hit on Tomas Kaberle is a joke! Especially when you consider that no penalty was called. I hope that the referee gets disciplined for this cockup! Don, this time you were wrong about how the Leafs should have handled it. First, it happened way behind the play so no one on the ice (including the idiot referee) saw it. Second, if there had been any retaliation, the Leafs would have been a man down, not the Devils, and we might have had a completely different game. Third, so what if Kaberle was watching his pass? That is no excuse for a cheap shot like that. If you are crossing a street and looking the other way, does that mean that I am allowed to run you over even if I am able to stop or avoid you? I like hitting in hockey as much as you do and think it is a part of the game, but head shots should not be tolerated and should be severely punished. As for the other head shots that people have mentioned, they too should be punished. As I asked about the no-touch icing issue, where is the NHLPA? They should be protecting their members. I am afraid that someone will have to die or suffer a permanent brain injury before the NHL takes this seriously.

What a joke this Oilers team is now!! Kevin Lowe is a complete idiot giving away the Oilers heart and soul for a couple of 3rd liners!! How can he play hardball with Smyth when he gave Horcoff(3 year contract to a bum),Hemsky(six year contract to a small punk who will never score 20 goals in one season!) and Pisani(3 year contract to a one year playoff wonder) exactly the money that they wanted!! I was a huge Oilers fan(79-80 season) before this trade but Lowe has taken away any love i had left for Oiler hockey. I hope Lowe gets a clue and resigns Ryan after the season and then maybe i will cheer for them again!! Until then, i will watch Crosby,Malkin,and Jordan Staal kick butt like the 80's oilers used to do!

To all the media faces who are publicly coming out against Smyth possibly going back to Edmonton, where was all this righteous indignation when Weight and Recchi did it?

There is a word for this sort of behaviour: Hypocrisy.

If you truely believed this was wrong you would have said something at the beginning of the season, I believe Ryan Smyth probably has enough to consider right now with the dribble that was spoken by Mr. Cherry and Mr. Hughson.

Well as for Ryan smith being traded from the Oilers, I think Kevin Lowe made the biggest boo boo of his GM tenure and one that will rank up their with Gretzky's trade from Edmonton...Ryan Smyth should have been signed long before the trade dealine, the guy has gave blood , sweat and tears for this team...it's a sad saga....and the fans are not going to be sop forgiving of Kevin Lowe....If Kevin's looking for absolution he'd better go see a priest cause he wont get it from Oiler fans...cause they are ticked...If I was Kevin Lowe...I would be careful, they might want to hang Kevin's jersey to the rafter's....with him in it !

Just wondering if anyone could give me information of the picture of the paramedic that died the Don was holding up at the beginning of Hockey night in Canada

Ya Know, these days there's just no point in being a loyal fan. Management doesn't give a lick about how the fans may feel about a certain player. Couple that with the fact that players jump around so often it's hard to keep track of who's playing for who and you come to realize that it's really only the sweater we're pulling for...the sweater and an ever fading dream of civic pride. Guys like Ryan Smyth are certainly deserving of a blue collar community's support and admiration. Too bad managment doesn't seem to factor that in when they're negotiating contracts...I mean how many pucks in the face is Ales Hemsky willing to take for the "team"

Ryan Smyth.... the oilers cornerstone, "belongs in edmonton". I feel that edmonton seems to be a farm team for the rest of the NHL, building skilled players like Ryan only to loose them to financialy stronger teams. Should they make bids to get thier heart and soul back where he truely belongs,.....DAM STRAIGHT, no matter what Don Cherry said its not fraud its smart hockey sence and Edmonton definatley has it.... Any one knows that Edmonton lives for the oilers, and its obvious that we need our heart back!

We should get RYAN SMYTH BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here in Buffalo, we love Canada. We Love Don Cherry and we love hockey night in Canada. I think we are one of only a few US cities to get CBC on cable and we are truly grateful. My 8-year old son and I watch hockey on Saturday nights and it has been great for us. I have season tickets to the Sabres and we all stand, hold our hands to our hearts and sing O Canada before every game. My father's family came through Canada before they settled in the US and we love our northern neighbor. As far as I know, we are the only NHL rink in the US to sing the Canadian National Anthem before every game - regardless of which teams are playing. And this is how it should be.
I say all of this because I think you should recognize this. As much as Leafs and Habs fans come down and give us a hard time during the games, we have been your biggest supporters over the years. Now as the Sabres are the best in the NHL, we know that our greatest players are Canadian and we hope that you know that your greatest fans reside in Buffalo! Thanks to the CBC for keeping hockey strong and thanks to Canada!

-You friendly neighbors from Buffalo

Don,

You are the best there is. Yoiur no-nonsense reporting is refreshing. I think that Ryan Smyth belongs in Edmonton, its where his heart is, he is a throwback tio the days of the working class heroes who made the game great.

Go Grapes and Ron, the best tyhere is. I am grateful to be able to get you ghuys via Centre Ice, as I am a Yank from the prairie who misses the days of pond hockey. Keep up the good work guys and thanks so much for honoring the fallen service men and women of Canada.

Regards,

John

Just a quick reminder regaurding Grape's comment on Smyth re-signing in Edmonton. Doug Weight was a rental and re-signed with the Blues. Too bad Carolina, they won a cup and all is well. The team renting the player is well aware of the risk it is taking and shouldn't give up what the Islanders gave up if a deal isn't guaranteed. Please don't discourage Ryan from signing back in Edmonton. We need him here. The whole city is hanging on only to the hope that Smyth re-signs in Edmonton.

What left media are you talking about Don.
all the media is owner by large corporations, these corporations are buddy/buddy with big business bay street & Mr. Harper's conservative/Reform/Canadian Alliance government. This is funny cause Canada has the best players in Hockey and the second best players in corporate criminals to the USA.
The documentary Channel right now is playing "The Cororation" if anyone doesn't know what a cororation is. Mosulini knows what it is, google him and Corporation and you will find out.

Ryan Smyth, the biggest disappointment this year, what is Kevin Lowe thinking? Also last night, Jannsens hit on Thomas Kaberle, right up there with Chris Neil's coward hit parade, by the way, nice to see Chris Neil cheap shot a Carolina Hurricane on an icing play last night, keep up the great work Neil, ya candy azz wimp! when is the league going to get tough on these head shots? 3 game suspension? not too severe considering Jannsens gets about 2 minutes of game time per game, so 6 minute suspension, pathetic. So many cowardly hits thios year, its getting worse. Something nees to be done. Also in Edmonton tonight, the retro jerseys....keep them! They look great!

Do you think that when a player illegally hits and injures another player, the suspension should last as long as the player is injured?

Janssen hits a poor maple leaf who can see him coming a mile off and he gets suspended yet in recent Flames game Ossi Vannenan of Avalanche drives Moss head first into boards, face bounces off dasher loses most of his teeth and not even whiff of suspension ! Another joke decision by NHL Perhaps they would like to explain this to my pee wee team

Don, Once again tonight you prove you are the absoulte Best voice Ever on media!! Wow you are fantastic, thank you..... we love you .....