Cherry to join ESPN hockey coverage

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: May 6, 2008 - 5:59 PM

ESPN might not carry the NHL, but the network scored big Tuesday by adding colorful analyst Don Cherry to its postseason coverage.

Cherry, whose outspoken analysis on his "Coach's Corner" segment on CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada" has made him a household name in that country, will make his ESPN debut Friday on "SportsCenter" after the opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. "Pairing Don Cherry and Barry Melrose will provide NHL fans with two of the most respected and opinionated voices in hockey today," ESPN executive vice president Norby Williamson said in a statement.

During the conference finals, Cherry will offer live postgame reports from the Flyers-Penguins series. He will then join Steve Levy and Melrose on-site throughout the Stanley Cup Finals for pre- and postgame analysis.

Cherry, who also will appear on ESPN News and ESPN Radio, will continue his work for CBC throughout the playoffs.

He plans to donate his ESPN fee to the Humane Society.

JUDD ZULGAD