Don Cherry polishes up the legend of Corey Perry, Edmonton Oilers folk hero
In the world of hockey, legends aren’t just born on the ice. They are forged in the moments that transcend the game itself, the larger-than-life characters who become ingrained in the fabric of a team’s history and culture. For Corey Perry, the veteran forward who has played for several teams during his illustrious NHL career, his place in Edmonton Oilers folklore is cemented as something of a folk hero. And it was none other than the famous Canadian broadcaster and hockey personality Don Cherry who helped polish up Perry’s legacy, adding a new layer to the story of a player who has constantly defied expectations throughout his career.
Cherry, known for his flamboyant suits, controversial opinions, and deep love for the game, has a long-standing connection to the NHL, both as a coach and as a broadcaster. His tenure with Hockey Night in Canada made him a household name, and his ability to dissect the game and put it into the context of the average fan made him a revered figure in the sport. However, what may not be immediately obvious is the impact Cherry has had on players like Corey Perry, particularly when it comes to the way they are viewed in certain markets. The synergy between Cherry’s outspoken nature and Perry’s unrelenting style of play has elevated the latter’s status in hockey folklore.
Corey Perry: The Player Who Became a Folk Hero
To understand how Don Cherry helped polish the legend of Corey Perry, it’s important first to examine what made Perry such a fascinating and memorable player. Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft, Perry’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. He quickly rose to prominence with his gritty play, tough demeanor, and scoring ability. His leadership on the ice helped the Ducks win the 2007 Stanley Cup, and he was awarded the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player during the 2010-2011 season.
While Perry has had his fair share of ups and downs over the years, including stints with the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens, his status as a beloved player in Edmonton was solidified after joining the Oilers for a brief but impactful period. Perry’s ability to play in all situations—whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or in crucial game moments—gave him a unique place in the hearts of Oilers fans. He became known for his leadership, unshakable determination, and knack for scoring key goals in high-pressure moments.
Don Cherry’s Influence on the Perry Narrative
Don Cherry’s connection to Corey Perry began much earlier in Perry’s career when Cherry, ever the outspoken figure, saw something in Perry that resonated with his own hockey sensibilities. Cherry, known for his tough-guy mentality and advocacy for physical play, admired Perry’s combative nature and his willingness to get into the gritty areas of the game. This made Perry, in Cherry’s eyes, an ideal representative of the kind of player that fans of Canadian teams—and fans of physical hockey in general—could rally around.
In Cherry’s eyes, Perry embodied the “old-school” hockey spirit—something that was fading in the modern, fast-paced game. He often referenced Perry as a model for young players who were looking to make their mark on the game through hard work, grit, and determination rather than relying solely on skill or finesse. In a time when speed and skill have become the focal points of the game, Cherry believed that players like Perry were essential in maintaining the game’s physicality and toughness.
When Perry’s name came up in discussions of player stories and highlights, Cherry often highlighted the forward’s fearless approach. “Corey Perry, he’s one of those guys who you love if he’s on your team, and you hate him if he’s not,” Cherry would remark on multiple occasions. Perry’s ability to get under the skin of opponents with his trash-talking, scrappy style of play, and occasional controversial hits made him a player that many found hard to ignore. For Oilers fans, Cherry’s adoration of Perry only amplified the player’s status as a folk hero.
Perry’s Impact on the Edmonton Oilers
For a franchise like the Edmonton Oilers, which has seen its fair share of highs and lows, Corey Perry’s arrival brought a sense of stability and experience that was desperately needed. The Oilers have been in search of players who can add depth and versatility to their roster, especially given their need for players who can excel in crucial playoff moments. Perry, with his rich playoff history and leadership experience, was a perfect fit.
During his time in Edmonton, Perry made an immediate impact. Despite being considered a “grizzled veteran,” Perry’s skill, vision, and leadership qualities were immediately apparent. He had a calming presence in the locker room, and his battle-tested mentality was contagious, lifting the intensity of the entire squad. Fans admired Perry for his never-give-up attitude, which often led to clutch moments on the ice, whether it was a key penalty kill or a timely goal.
Perry’s role on the power play and penalty kill, in particular, was a defining aspect of his time in Edmonton. As a veteran who understood the nuances of special teams play, he was invaluable to the Oilers, helping to sharpen their power-play efficiency and fortifying their penalty-killing units. Though he was no longer the young, high-scoring player of his prime, Perry’s value came in the form of his leadership and hockey IQ, two aspects of his game that often went unnoticed by casual fans but were pivotal to the Oilers’ success.
As his time with the Oilers continued, it became clear that Perry had carved out a legacy in Edmonton that transcended his on-ice contributions. For Oilers fans, he became more than just a player; he was a symbol of grit, determination, and heart. His leadership during the team’s playoff runs made him a key figure, and his contributions were seen as vital to the Oilers’ success on and off the ice.
Cherry’s Praise for Perry: More Than Just a Player
Don Cherry’s affection for Corey Perry extended beyond just praising his on-ice abilities. Cherry was also quick to recognize the role Perry played in shaping the identity of the teams he played for. In Cherry’s mind, Perry was the quintessential player who understood what it meant to be part of something bigger than oneself. “Corey Perry is one of those guys who leaves everything on the ice,” Cherry would often say in his analysis. “It’s not always about the highlight reel goals or the flashiness; it’s about playing for the team, for the fans, and for the love of the game.”
This mindset resonated deeply with fans in Edmonton, a city known for its passionate and loyal fan base. Perry’s blue-collar work ethic and no-nonsense attitude became emblematic of the city’s hockey culture. He wasn’t there to be the star of the show—he was there to contribute in any way possible, helping his team win games and create memorable moments.
Cherry also noted Perry’s willingness to take on the most difficult assignments, including matching up against the opposition’s top players and engaging in the physical battles that defined the intensity of the NHL. This mindset aligned perfectly with Cherry’s love for tough, no-holds-barred hockey, and it wasn’t long before Perry’s reputation as a “glove-off” player spread across the league.
The Symbolism of Perry’s Legacy in Edmonton
For the Oilers, Perry represented a transition from the chaotic and unpredictable years to a new era of stability. He was a player who knew what it took to win championships, who had been through the wars and emerged with a well-rounded game that wasn’t just about offense, but about bringing a championship mindset to every shift.
Perry’s legacy in Edmonton transcended his ability to score goals or produce highlights. It was about his approach to the game—his unrelenting drive, his leadership in the locker room, and his understanding that winning required more than just talent—it required sacrifice, grit, and resilience. These are the qualities that fans in Edmonton appreciated, and these qualities were highlighted in the stories that Cherry told about Perry.
Cherry’s role in polishing up Perry’s legend cannot be overstated. By constantly reminding the public of the kind of player Perry was—tough, gritty, and selfless—Cherry solidified Perry’s status as an integral part of the Oilers’ history. When future generations of fans look back on the greats who helped shape the team, Corey Perry’s name will undoubtedly come up, and Don Cherry’s praise of the veteran forward will forever be part of that story.
