Coach Don Rasberry-'The Professor of Pucks'

                                        Coach Don Rasberry

                                       

Now goes by 'The Professor of Pucks.'


However, was also known throughout Canada when he played as Fruity or Flaky Cakes for his bone crushing hits as a 14 year minor league defense man. His fights from the 1970s are legendary epic bouts on skates still seen on You Tube.


Had a lunch pail blue collar coaching style when in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). He use to say to the press, “ We ain't pretty to look at on a Saturday night, but, we out work you in the corners, check you into the boards, take your girl friends and leave with the two points!”


He coaches for ten seasons, first with Philadelphia, and then in Detroit, where he retires after three straight world championship seasons. He tells his team at the end, “Boys, the stress is too much to take where the fun has gone out of me for the game...each and everyone of you and everyone that ever played for me, will always be like my son, good bye, I love you all.” Don leaves the dressing room that night, never to be seen behind the bench again...


Don takes a full year off from hockey to find himself in the wilds of Manitoba where he grew up. He hunts and fishes all the time where he lives in a cabin, even taking a pair of skates with him, to test out the pond near his home.


Jerry Dampiere, the coach's agent had been trying to contact him for a few months to discuss a potential deal. Jerry tells him, “What are you doing out here all alone....God, you look like Grizzly Adams, don't you own a razor?”....He continues, “But leave it, think I have a sponsor for us...”


The deal was as a television game analyst for the Hockey in Canada network, the NAHL owned network. He even ended up as the spokesperson for Bador Blades, after he held a promotional stunt to shave off the beard. The company also sponsored the coach's show on television.


The “Coach Rasberry Corner” was a pre and post game show where Don could be himself and dress (It was encouraged) like the 1970s, with velvet suits, and checkered bow ties, with flowing colorful bright hanker chiefs in front pockets. The coach was so proud to let the producers that he did not need a wardrobe allowance, which left the crew kind of speechless...


The show became the highest rated in Canada during the week, and on the most important night, Saturday.


He also writes a season preview, weekly power 5 team poll during the season and has an annual playoff preview and prediction special shown throughout North American.


Also hosts an annual year end Rasberries award show to announce his all star teams, players, and coach of the year.


His motto now from when he coached has become, “I might not be near the ice now, but, you at home will feel all the action like it is happening right in your living room, or since this is Canada ey, in the bar!”