Don Cherry kept at arm's length by CBC after fighting, head shots comments

CBC’s voice of hockey finds himself operating on the outside of his own employer.

Kirstine Stewart, CBC's executive vice-president of English Services issued the following statement on Saturday regarding Don Cherry’s comments about fighting in hockey.

"Recent comments made by Don Cherry on Hockey Night in Canada’s Coach's Corner regarding headshots and fighting in professional hockey have been the subject of considerable debate. I wish to clarify, in no uncertain terms, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's position on this issue.

“Don's comments reflect his own personal opinion,” she said. “While we support his right to voice that opinion, we do not share his position. Player safety is a top priority for CBC, and we support the initiatives of the NHL and others in keeping players safe on and off the ice.”

Stewart spoke personally with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. In that conversation she reiterated the CBC’s shared commitment to player safety at all levels of the game.