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Cherry tells Hockey Canada to “smarten up”

Don Cherry

Outspoken hockey analyst Don Cherry was at it again over the weekend, this time voicing his displeasures at Hockey Canada.

Cherry believes Florida Panthers first overall pick, Aaron Ekblad, should not have been participating in exhibition scrimmages at Canada’s development camp.

Ekblad was concussed during Canada’s 6-2 win over the Czech Repulic on Aug. 5 and sent home early from the camp after consultation with the Panthers.

On Saturday, Cherry, 80, took to Twitter to voice his opinion:


1) I’m upset watching Aaron Ekblad, the #1 draft pick, get nailed by a Czech player in a meaningless game and mini series for Team Canada.

— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 9, 2014


2) the hit was a Scott Stevens special. I ask you, why was Aaron even playing? You know he’s a lock to make the Junior Club and has a target

— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 9, 2014


3) on his back for being selected first overall in the NHL draft. Robby Fabbri, the sensation from the Memorial Cup playoffs is on crutches

— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 9, 2014


4) Why? It doesn’t make sense. Have the guys that are on the bubble play in these games. Smarten up Team Canada. The CHL and NHL are doing

— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 9, 2014


5) you a favour. They don’t have to let you have these players. What if Sam Reinhart and Connor McDavid got hurt too? Again. These guys are

— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 9, 2014


6) locks to make the team. Play the exhibition games with guys you want to see. Your star players getting hurt in a meaningless game in

— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 9, 2014


7) August does not make sense. Smarten up!

— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) August 9, 2014


It’s often hard to agree with much of what Cherry says these days; however, this time he’s hit the nail on the head. Ekblad, who should make the Panthers roster out of training camp, doesn’t even need to be at such a camp as he likely won’t be released by Florida for the December tournament.

Related: Get to know a draft pick - Aaron Ekblad

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