As the Olympic men’s gold medal game approaches at an ungodly early hour, it’s important for Canadian hockey fans to take a moment and reflect on some wisdom from on high.
Don Cherry knows hockey. Don Cherry knows dogs. And Don Cherry knows… floppy animal hats?
Anybody who spends any time in front of Hockey Night in Canada — or spent countless hours watching the Rock Em Sock Em video series, as I did — knows that Don Cherry is not only a legend, he is a veritable Canadian fashion icon. Apparently unsatisfied with being the country’s foremost authority on hockey, dogs and loud suits, Grapes has adopted a peculiar style of haberdashery while covering Olympic hockey in Sochi.
Tried to buy one of these but they are sold out. pic.twitter.com/mSufEFcCL8
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) February 14, 2014
But apparently Grapes was torn between caps:
Can’t decide if I like this one better. Both look sensational. pic.twitter.com/ZAUxl58hSI
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) February 14, 2014
Then he got his good buddy Ron, who threw up what we can only assume is some old Red Deer gang-land symbol, in on the fun.
One Coach’s Corner down and another to go. Tune into prime time tonight with my buddy @ronmacleancbc pic.twitter.com/eahjGVlKLq
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) February 16, 2014
Before the women’s gold medal game, Grapes reverted to a more conservative — yet no less stylish — choice of headwear.
Took this photo this morning after leaving the women’s morning skate. Gold medal game is noon et so be sure to watch pic.twitter.com/qUc1iHGFGw
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) February 20, 2014
As the showdown between Canada and the #1-ranked international Swedes approaches, it’s anyone’s guess to what level Grapes’ hat game will rise. Will he play it cool and conservative, or go bat-shit wild with some heretofore unforeseen pure beauty?
One thing’s for sure: given the Russians’ draconian anti-gay laws, Grapes may want to lay off locking lips with Sidney Crosby or Jonathan Toews until he’s back home on Canadian soil, eh. Let’s go!
[image via Bill S./Flickr]