Now that Brian Burke has been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder, columnist Joe Warmington argues it is time for Don Cherry to finally receive the honour. Cherry, a former NHL coach of the year, Stanley Cup runner-up with the Boston Bruins, and iconic host of Coach's Corner on Hockey Night in Canada, remains one of the most recognizable figures in the sport.
Cherry's Omission Called a Travesty
Warmington calls Cherry's absence from the Hall of Fame a travesty, questioning who in hockey over the past 40 years—aside from superstar players—is more famous than Cherry. He notes that walking anywhere with Cherry reveals his widespread recognition, far surpassing that of Burke or other 2026 inductees.
Other Deserving Candidates Highlighted
Warmington lists several players he believes merit induction, including goaltenders Curtis Joseph (517 wins, 67 shutouts combined regular season and playoffs) and Chris Osgood (475 wins, 65 shutouts, three Stanley Cups). He also mentions forwards Bernie Nicholls (517 goals, 1,323 points) and Henrik Zetterberg (394 goals, 1,080 points, one Stanley Cup).
Among women, he argues for Cassie Campbell-Pascall, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and broadcaster, over Cindy Curley. He also champions Paul Henderson, who scored the winning goal in the last three games of the 1972 Summit Series, noting the irony that Soviet goaltender Vladislav Tretiak is in the Hall while Henderson is not.
Fame vs. Statistics Debate
Warmington contends that the Hall of Fame should recognize fame as much as statistics, advocating for enforcers like Dave Schultz, Tie Domi, Wendel Clark, Bob Probert, Marty McSorley, and Dave Semenko. He also mentions Manon Rheaume, the first female to play in an NHL preseason game, as deserving recognition.
While acknowledging the 2026 inductees are worthy, Warmington calls for scrutiny of the selection committee, which he says consistently overlooks candidates with strong credentials and fame. He notes that Henderson once told him being overlooked generates more press, but still finds it ludicrous that Henderson, Cherry, Fleury, Rod Brind'Amour, Campbell-Pascall, and Butch Goring remain outside the Hall.
