By Fernando Jimenez Burke (FJB), Canadian Consultant
In an era dominated by woke culture, the worlds of NHL hockey and politics have collided. NHL President Gary Bettman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have both embraced this new, non-conservative ideology.
For instance, the NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone campaign, which promotes inclusivity and diversity, and Trudeau’s support for LGBTQ+ rights are clear examples of this. These developments are increasingly alienating the traditional hockey fan base. The so-called anointed few ignore the concerns of the loyal fans.
We reminisce about Don Cherry’s days when he fearlessly spoke his mind and held people accountable. It’s disheartening to see this spirit fading away.
We yearn for more role models like Don Cherry, unafraid to call it as they see it. Without Cherry’s unapologetic voice on a weekly, national broadcast, it seems people–without voices of resistance and guidance–are too quick to surrender their freedoms and ideals to a select few authoritarian figures, political and leisure.
Cherry’s politically incorrect candor was a breath of fresh air for Canadians and NHL fans. His tough-love approach harkened back to the era of legends like Esposito, Orr, Sanderson, and Gerry Cheevers in Boston’s heyday. We need these voices to inspire and guide us.
In contrast, we see today’s unsung heroes fighting the NHL woke movement, like those players who refuse to participate in pregame warmups wearing Pride jerseys and teams like the New York Rangers initially planning to wear them but later deciding against it.
The absence of voices like Don Cherry’s, unafraid to call it as they see it, leaves a void. Individuality and leadership, exemplified by Ivan Provorov of the Philadelphia Flyers, who was the first to reject the NHL-WOKE jersey movement, are what this generation needs.
The NHL’s misplaced woke movement contradicts the ideals underpinning unalienable rights for the past 240 years. Don Cherry’s legacy remains unparalleled if we need a revolutionary voice in politics and North American sports. Will the NHL survive this minority counterculture movement?
Each of these issues demands our attention and public grandstanding to preserve the values that have made our society great, both in sports and beyond. We must not lose sight of the factors that made bench-clearing brawls and the alpha male spirit central to our culture. These values, often associated with ‘conservative ideals ‘, have led us to a world of checks and balances, like the First Amendment and accountability. It’s our responsibility to uphold these values.
Canadian and American sports media have witnessed sellouts like Dave Westhead of TSN. Too many will say anything to gain favor with the woke elite. American counterparts in papers like the New York Daily News have similarly sacrificed journalistic integrity for sensationalism and clickbait.
Don Cherry would never have tolerated Gary Bettman’s wokeism, Justin Trudeau’s interference in freedom movements, Dave Westhead’s one-sided narratives, or the buffoonery of sports staff like Michael O’Keefe at the New York Daily News.
Can the next generation of Don Cherry and Blue save North American sports? Stay tuned to see whose voice emerges.
Fernando Jimenez Burke (FJB) is a conservative Canadian hockey enthusiast who is a snowbird in Southwest Florida. He enjoys a three-week summer in his home country.
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