Ron MacLean

Thankfully, in 2002, thousands of Canadians demonstrated their unrelenting desire to have Ron MacLean continue as the long-time host of Hockey Night in Canada. MacLean is best known as the straight man on Coach's Corner, the listener and, some might argue, the voice of reason that saves Don Cherry from getting a puck in the head.

His broadcasting career began in 1978 when he took over a 16-month part-time position at a radio station in Red Deer, Alberta. One night in 1984, a hockey producer saw MacLean doing an ad-lib weather forecast and hired him to host the Calgary Flames telecasts on CKPD, an independent TV station in Calgary. He then became the sports anchor on the local evening news. MacLean's first love is hockey, which led him to Toronto in 1986 and Molson Hockey Night in Canada on CBC. The eight-time Gemini Award-winning sportscaster has expanded his professional duties to include hosting CBC's coverage of the Summer and Winter Olympics - including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Calgary Stampede, Commonwealth Games and World Track & Field Championships. In 2009, MacLean co-hosted the CBC's seven-week series, Battle of the Blades. In his spare time, he is a Level 5 referee for the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association.

As a host, master of ceremonies or featured speaker, MacLean's quick wit, thoughtful insights and humorous, engaging style have entertained audiences from coast to coast.

• 3. Celebrity Appearances

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• 2. Humour & Hockey

• 1. Coach's Corner

• His presentation was relaxed, humorous and real – I stood at the back of the banquet hall and watched as 400-plus people remained silent, listening intently to be sure they did not miss a word.
  Auto Sense
• You went above and beyond what is expected and I do appreciate the personal time you sacrificed. It's a true measure of class and something that didn't go unnoticed.
  Lexmark Canada Inc.

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  October 2011

  Cornered: Hijinks, Highlights, Late Nights and Insights

  Ron MacLean has been a Saturday night tradition for twenty-five years. Known for his quick wit, arched eyebrows and encyclopedic hockey knowledge, MacLean is the skilled ringmaster of Canada's most watched weekly program. He has interviewed the greatest players, coaches and personalities of an era. He is a master of seeking the best in substance and entertainment from his guests, as well as from his opinionated and often irascible co-host, Don Cherry, on "Coach's Corner."

  And he has never written a book - until now. Cornered is packed with inside accounts - some inspiring, many hilarious - from his early days as a part-time radio announcer and weather forecaster in Red Deer, Alberta, to his time hosting Hockey Night in Canada and the Olympics. Perhaps no other journalist has witnessed first-hand more Canadian sports milestones in the past quarter century. From Gretzky to Catriona, Mario to Salé and Pelletier, MacLean has been there with an eye for detail and an appreciation for what makes a great story.