Canadian hockey legend Don Cherry is "done with being in the public eye", turns down offer to drop pucks at hockey games

Canadian hockey icon Don Cherry has declined a growing fan-driven campaign to bring him back into NHL arenas for ceremonial puck drops with his family confirming the 91-year-old has stepped away from all public appearances and intends to remain out of the spotlight.

The update came this week from Adam Derges of Army of Great Men, who posted a video and Instagram update following a new podcast interview with Cherry’s son Tim Cherry. Derges had recently helped push a viral online movement encouraging NHL teams to bring Cherry back for a final round of tributes.

Tim Cherry told Derges he appreciated the outpouring of support but made clear his father would not be participating. He reportedly expressed gratitude for the fan support and the intention behind the campaign, but made clear that the former broadcaster’s decision is firm.

“He’s kind of done with being in the public eye. He’s turning 92 in a couple months,” Derges summarized.

“He’s sort of had his run in terms of being out in the public. And so, you know, we're going to respect that.”

Earlier this year, Don Cherry informally signed off from his podcast with an abrupt “toodaloo”. After a career that spanned more than four decades including his firing from Hockey Night in Canada in 2019 and a quieter final chapter as host of The Grapevine Podcast, Cherry has increasingly retreated from media and public events.

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Doug Gilmore had reached out to help bring Don Cherry back

According to Derges, his initial video calling for teams to invite Cherry “went nuts” generating hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of petition signatures. As fan momentum grew, former NHL stars including Doug Gilmour signaled interest in helping coordinate the effort.

But as discussions advanced, both Gilmour and Derges agreed they needed to confirm Cherry himself was willing and healthy enough to participate.

“Look, I want to help,” Gilmour told him. “But we got to make sure Grapes is up for this… he’s 90 years old. This might be more than he’s up for.”

That prompted Derges to track down contact information for Cherry’s son. With help from former Calgary Flames forward and Stanley Cup champion Jim Poplinski, Derges secured Tim Cherry’s number and opened the door to the podcast interview.

For now, any plans for a final public farewell for the legendary broadcaster are officially on hold, likely for good.