CBC commentator Don Cherry has criticized a parliamentary committee for calling on Hockey Canada officials to explain why they named Shane Doan captain of the international hockey team.
During Cherry's popular Coach's Corner segment of Hockey Night in Canada on Wednesday night, Cherry defended Doan regarding an alleged derogatory cultural remark made by the Phoenix Coyotes forward in a 2005 game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Don Cherry believes government officials should leave Shane Doan, left, alone and concentrate on more important issues.
(Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)
Doan has denied the allegation, and the NHL has cleared him of any trangression.
"Is this the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard?" asked Cherry. "With all the things going on in the world and we have a debate in the House [of Commons] because somebody said something. It's absolutely ridiculous."
Earlier Wednesday, Doan, who is taking part in the world hockey championship in Russia, said he was simply complaining to teammate Curtis Joseph about the officiating that night, telling the netminder, "'Four French referees in Montreal, Cuje, figure it out.'
"I would have done the same thing if we were in Los Angeles and it was four officials from California," said Doan. "Or if we were in Calgary and it was four westerners."
Cherry believes Doan's version of the story, and doesn't understand why government officials are using this as an issue.
"That's all he [Doan] said. He didn't say they were bad guys," continued Cherry. "It's unbelievable that something like that would go on."
BQ gets controversy rolling
Earlier this week, the Bloc Québécois received the support of all parties to demand Doan's removal as captain and summon Hockey Canada officials before a parliamentary committee on Thursday.
While Cherry isn't concerned with how the situation will affect Doan, he worries about NHL linesman Michel Cormier's reputation because of the upcoming hearing.
It was Cormier who made the allegation through court documents in March 2007 that Doan made a cultural slur during the second period nearly two years ago.
"Shane is going to be fine," concluded Cherry. "I think the victim in this thing is Michel Cormier. I can hear the players saying, 'That's the guy that squealed.' He's being used by some people to make a point. This guy will be remembered for this forever."
