“Ridiculous”: Don Cherry protests Connor McDavid’s mistreatment
“Ridiculous”: Don Cherry Protests Connor McDavid’s Mistreatment
In the high-speed, physical world of the NHL, superstars are often the subject of intense scrutiny, both on and off the ice. But when a player of Connor McDavid’s caliber, considered by many to be the greatest hockey player of his generation, is repeatedly subjected to what many deem as unfair treatment, it raises serious questions. Recently, Canadian hockey icon Don Cherry, known for his outspoken opinions, made waves with his protest against the mistreatment of McDavid. The veteran broadcaster and former coach did not hold back, calling the treatment McDavid has faced “ridiculous” and lambasting how referees, opposing players, and even the league at large have failed to adequately protect the Edmonton Oilers’ captain.
Cherry’s passionate defense of McDavid strikes a chord, especially when considering how the most skilled players in the league are often the targets of increased physical play. While some argue that McDavid, with his otherworldly speed and finesse, should be able to dodge such hits, others see it as a failure of the league to ensure the safety of its marquee players. Cherry’s comments highlight an ongoing issue in hockey: the fine line between physicality and endangerment, and how the NHL chooses to enforce or ignore the boundaries of this line.
This article takes a closer look at Don Cherry’s criticism, the nature of Connor McDavid’s treatment on the ice, and why the issue is more than just one player’s experience—it’s about the culture of the NHL and how the league handles its stars.
Don Cherry’s Vocal Protest
Don Cherry, whose opinions have made him a polarizing figure in Canadian hockey for decades, is no stranger to controversy. His weekly “Coach’s Corner” segment, which aired for years on Hockey Night in Canada, became a staple for hockey fans across the country, known for its blend of humor, sharp criticism, and, at times, over-the-top rhetoric. But when it comes to defending the game’s integrity and the protection of its top players, Cherry has always been unwavering.
In his most recent comments, Cherry called out the NHL for failing to protect McDavid from repeated hits that he deemed not only dangerous but unnecessary. McDavid, renowned for his speed and skating ability, has long been a target for opposing players who aim to slow him down with physical play, often taking liberties with the league’s best player. These kinds of hits, including high sticks, cheap shots, and late checks, have been the subject of countless debates in the hockey community.
Cherry, with his characteristic no-nonsense style, condemned the lack of officiating consistency that allows these hits to go unpunished. He labeled the treatment of McDavid as “ridiculous,” pointing out how the Oilers’ captain is often subjected to hits that would result in penalties or suspensions for lesser players. For Cherry, the frustration stems from a perceived double standard in how the league protects its most marketable stars.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous what they’re allowing to happen to Connor McDavid,” Cherry said in a recent broadcast. “The best player in the league, and he’s getting chopped, cross-checked, hit from behind, and there’s no accountability. Where’s the protection? Why is it okay to treat McDavid like this when we know no other player would get away with it?”
Cherry’s criticisms weren’t just about McDavid’s treatment during games, but also about how referees and league officials have turned a blind eye to repeated transgressions against the star player. The ex-coach and commentator questioned whether the league’s obsession with speed and physicality had clouded their judgment on the safety of players.
The Nature of McDavid’s Treatment
Connor McDavid, who has redefined the expectations of what a hockey player can do with the puck, is undoubtedly one of the most skilled players to ever take the ice. With his ability to change directions on a dime, accelerate past defenders, and make plays at full speed, McDavid’s unique skill set is what makes him so invaluable to the Edmonton Oilers. Yet, his extraordinary talents have also made him a prime target for opposition teams.
A recurring theme throughout McDavid’s career has been his vulnerability to injury due to the increased physical attention he receives on the ice. Despite being one of the fastest skaters in the world, McDavid cannot always avoid every hit, and his style of play often invites physical challenges from players looking to slow him down. These physical plays are not always clean, and there have been numerous occasions when McDavid has been on the receiving end of borderline, or outright illegal, hits.
One particularly controversial instance occurred in a game against the Calgary Flames, where McDavid took a brutal check to the boards by defenseman Nikita Zadorov. The hit, which left McDavid shaking his head in disbelief, was not penalized, drawing the ire of many commentators and analysts who felt it was an example of how superstars are unfairly targeted and left unprotected by the league. While McDavid didn’t suffer a major injury from the hit, it was the kind of play that can have long-term consequences on a player’s body and psyche.
Another example came when McDavid was slashed by an opposing player in a critical moment, with little-to-no penalty being assessed. While the Oilers’ captain has earned a reputation for his ability to stay calm under pressure, moments like these take their toll. As the season continues, the question becomes: Why is the best player in the league subjected to such physicality, when it seems other players with comparable skill sets do not face the same scrutiny?
The lack of penalties for these plays has led many to question whether McDavid is being treated differently by the officials due to the notion that his skill and ability should enable him to avoid these types of challenges. However, as Cherry points out, this is not only unfair—it is dangerous.
The NHL’s Double Standard: Star Treatment or Star Neglect?
Don Cherry’s criticism touches on an ongoing issue in the NHL: a double standard when it comes to how superstar players are treated compared to their lesser-known counterparts. In many cases, star players like McDavid and Sidney Crosby are subjected to physical play that is simply not tolerated for other players. This discrepancy highlights the challenge of balancing physicality with player safety and the league’s inconsistent application of rules across the board.
While many argue that the rough play is a part of hockey’s tradition—particularly when it comes to containing the best players—there is a fine line between a fair, hard check and a dangerous hit designed to injure or intimidate. The NHL, like any major sport, must carefully consider how it enforces its rules and how it protects its superstars, especially in an era where player safety is increasingly under scrutiny.
Superstars like McDavid should be given the opportunity to showcase their talent without the fear of being taken out of the game by dirty or borderline illegal hits. However, when McDavid is not given adequate protection by referees, it raises concerns about the league’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its stars. If the league allows players like McDavid to be subjected to reckless physical play without consequence, it sends the wrong message—not only to the players but also to fans and future generations.
Why the NHL Must Protect Its Stars
The treatment of Connor McDavid is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a matter of the NHL’s reputation. As the league moves forward in its quest to grow the sport and bring in new fans, the way it treats its marquee players becomes crucial. Connor McDavid is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws in the sport today. His dazzling speed, playmaking ability, and consistent dominance on the ice make him the face of the NHL, much like Wayne Gretzky or Sidney Crosby before him.
However, as McDavid continues to lead the Oilers on the ice, the issue of player safety cannot be ignored. The NHL has made significant strides in improving player safety over the past two decades, with changes to concussion protocols, hits to the head, and the introduction of various penalties for dangerous plays. But when it comes to protecting superstars like McDavid, the league must do more. If the best player in the game is not afforded the protection he deserves, it creates a dangerous precedent for the rest of the league.
Cherry’s passionate plea for better protection of McDavid should serve as a wake-up call for the NHL. If the league truly values its stars and wants to grow the sport in a safe and exciting manner, it must take stronger action to ensure that players like McDavid are not left vulnerable to dangerous hits. The NHL must be proactive in ensuring that its best players are given the space to thrive and that reckless behavior is penalized swiftly and fairly.
