Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Sports Desk • Broadcaster

Ron MacLean

Ron MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster and television host best known for his long association with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and his role as co-host of Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry from 1986 to 2019.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Ron MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster and television host best known for Hockey Night in Canada and Coach’s Corner. He is also a former hockey referee and multiple Gemini Award winner.

Early life and career

Ron MacLean was born in Zweibrücken, Germany, in 1960 and grew up in Western Canada. He began his broadcasting career in 1978 at CKRD Radio in Red Deer, Alberta, before moving into television sports work.

Hockey Night in Canada and Coach’s Corner

MacLean joined CBC in 1986 and became the national host for Hockey Night in Canada. He co-hosted Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry from 1986 until 2019, becoming a familiar face in Canadian hockey broadcasting.

Awards and other hosting work

MacLean has won multiple Gemini Awards for sports broadcasting. He has also hosted CBC coverage of the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major sporting events.

In short

  • Began broadcasting in 1978
  • Co-hosted Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry for 33 years
  • Multiple Gemini Award winner
  • Former Level 5 hockey referee
Canadian angle

MacLean is a major figure in Canadian sports media, especially through Hockey Night in Canada, CBC sports coverage, and long-running hockey broadcasts that are closely associated with Canadian culture.

Quick questions

Who is Ron MacLean?
Ron MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster and television host best known for Hockey Night in Canada.
What is Ron MacLean best known for?
He is best known for hosting Hockey Night in Canada and for co-hosting Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry.
Was Ron MacLean a hockey referee?
Yes. He is described in sources as a former hockey referee and former Level 5 referee.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_MacLean
    Supports: Full name, birth date, Canadian sportscaster role, CBC/Rogers affiliation, Coach’s Corner association, former hockey referee
  2. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/programguide/personality/ron_maclean
    Supports: Broadcasting start in 1978, CBC career details, Olympic and other hosting work, Gemini Awards, former referee, residence
  3. The Canadian Communications Foundation / Broadcasting History — https://broadcasting-history.ca/personalities/maclean-ron/
    Supports: Career overview and Gemini Awards
  4. HarperCollins — https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/ron-maclean-10197
    Supports: Career timeline, CBC work, Coach’s Corner, awards, residence