Don Cherry is just too busy these days to pursue one of his greatest loves and the profession that made Grapes the Canadian icon that he is - coaching.
Except, that is, for one day a year.
That day in 2004 will be Wednesday, January 21 at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario when the ninth edition of the 2004 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game takes place.
"You better believe I’m looking forward to the game," Cherry said recently.
"Bobby and I have had a lot of fun over the years doing this.
"Besides, I’ve got a chance to get even with him this year."
Bobby is, of course, the legendary Bobby Orr, who will coach against his former coach as the Canadian Hockey League’s top 40 prospects for the 2004 NHL Entry Draft will once again be on display.
Cherry’s team won last year’s game in Kitchener, but Orr’s clubs still hold a 4-3 edge in the seven years Cherry and Orr have coached the game, so Cherry is right about his chance to get even.
Kelly Hrudey and Tiger Williams filled in as celebrity coaches for one year, but Cherry is pleased to be back behind the bench again - even if it’s only for one game.
"When coaching gets in your blood, it’s hard not to coach," Cherry, who coached the Mississauga Ice Dogs two seasons ago, said. "And do these guys ever go all out in this game, let me tell you!"
There’s a lot at stake in the game for the players, who are selected by the National Hockey League’s 30 teams. The rosters will be announced in early January and will feature players all looking to be drafted in Raleigh, North Carolina June 26-27.
The vast majority of the more than 300 players who have played in the game in its eight-year history have been selected in the NHL Draft. Five ofthose players were the first overall picks in the NHL Entry Draft - Chris Phillips (1996), Joe Thornton (1997), Vincent Lecavalier (1998), Rick Nash (2002) and Marc-Andre Fleury (2003).
Cherry will be assisted once again by Brian Kilrea, coach and general manager of the Ottawa 67’s. Kilrea is the CHL’s all-time winningest coach and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November.
Dale Hunter, coach of the host Knights, will join Orr behind the bench for the other team. Hunter played three seasons in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers and Sudbury Wolves before graduating to a 20-year career in the NHL.
CHL President David Branch is delighted the game will be held at the beautiful new John Labatt Centre.
"The Canadian Hockey League is very proud to bring this showcase event to the John Labatt Centre," said Branch. "It is one of the premiere facilities in the country and will be a fitting stage for this prestigious game.
"We are very thankful to the National Hockey League and Home Hardware for their outstanding long-term support of this event. Without them, and the many other sponsors who support this game, we would not be afforded the opportunity to present an event of this magnitude."
Rogers Sportsnet will broadcast the game live across Canada starting at 7 p.m. ET.
