Cornered: Hijinks, Highlights, Late Night and Insights

by Ron MacLean, Kirstie McLellan Day

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 Sal� and Pelletier, MacLean has been there with an eye for detail and an appreciation for what makes a great story.

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Nonfiction, Biography, Canada, Memoir, Autobiography

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Ronald Joseph Corbett "Ron" MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster for the CBC who is best known as the host of Hockey Night in Canada.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

You would think that a guy who has exhibited dry wit and, at times, brilliant puns off the cuff would also exhibit fine writing.

Not so much. Even with a co-writer.

Nonetheless, this was an ok 'bathroom' book and had some interesting anecdotes. Some fair insight into the relationship between him and Don Cherry, but nothing very surprising, or overly interesting, to be frank.

The best story is his mention of working the Calgary - Russia game with Harry Neale and Harry's shameless prediction of the first period. Very funny, and one I've told to pretty much all of my hockey buddies.

Overall though, Ron's book is a disjointed narrative, promising seques leading to marginally interesing tidbits. Recommended to Hockey Night in Canada aficianados only.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular!

I loved this book from page one and felt that it was told from the heart. Learning more about this HNIC icon is just what I needed. Whether it was the pre-CBC life Maclean led or his tiffs with Grapes, my eyes were always opened to some of the behind the scenes stuff that MacLean did or does on a weekly basis.

Growing up with HNIC, it hasw become my religion of sorts. I suppose that makes MacLean and Don Cherry my high priests. To see some of the raw and emotional side to both men really made me respect them a lot more. Learning about Maclean's struggles and some of his successes also made it truly worthwhile for me. I had no idea how often his knuckles were rapped by CBC and his wife for all the antics he pulled. Seeing the behind the scenes on his contract negotiations, hold-outs, and family tragedies also brought the book home for me. It did not hurt that Red Deer is only 150 kms North from me and all this chat of Calgary has be knowing streets and locations he mentions.

MacLean is honest in his opinions and pulls no punches. He tells it like he sees it and I cannot commend him enough for that. Way to go MacLean on that! Gary Bettman, a long time enemy of mine is not sparedf some harsh words, nor are many of the ideas coming from the owners' side of the table. MacLean also adds in some broadcasting spice surrounding some large interviews he has done, his HNIC role, and Olympic hosting role. He truly is great at his trade.

Note to ther publisher, get a better proofer, as I found numerous gramatical and homophonic errors. Must have been a quick one to the printer, but it did not ruin the flow of the book.

Way to go, Ron. Or, shall I say TWO THUMBS UP?!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron MacLean is a hockey and a Canadian legend. He's also a really humble, really good guy, and this autobiography demonstrates all of that, plus it's chock-a-block full of really terrific stories.

Obviously, MacLean is best-known as one of the co-hosts of Hockey Night in Canada, along with crazy-man Don Cherry. And while Cherry certainly is more universally known, and probably more "famous", Ron MacLean has had some amazing experiences as a broadcaster that make for a genuinely entertaining read.

But he's also had some interesting life-experiences, and he is clearly a thoughtful, soul-searching kind of guy which puts an unique counter-point on the rock-em-sock-em sports experiences that make up the bulk of his career. He can let a player or a coach, or, for that matter the entire game of hockey have it when he thinks that's deserved. But in the same book he talks about tearing up while interviewing Olympic gold-medalist skiier Kerrin Lee-Gartner and her husband afer the win. And he talks poignantly - but not in a maudlin or self-pitying way - about the loss of his mother to cancer.

If all you want is a bunch of really entertaining stories about the game of hockey, MacLean's book has that in spades. It's a who's-who of everybody who's been anybody in hockey for the past four decades. But there's more here than just hockey, and the rest of the book really underscores all the best things about athletics and the respect, dignity, commitment and dedication it can teach someone who's willing to lace up skates and see what happens. I actually saw Ron MacLean speak at a public library event a year or so ago, when this book was first published, and he was exactly as genuine, funny, intelligent and humble as the book. That for me is the demonstration of sportsmanlike behaviour.

A really great read about a really nice man who's lived an interesting eventful life. Well worth picking up.

[Josh McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give half marks (hint hint GoodReads), this book would sit at about a 4.5. It reads like a conversation, with slang and contractions spread all throughout the book. But that isn't a bad thing, as I actually loved the laid back nature for a change. So while it isn't actually a perfect five, it's far more deserving than a four.

While there is certainly a biography-esque vibe to Cornered, the book is mostly a collection of fascinating stories that give you a insight into a broadcast personality many Canadians grown up with. The combination of an extended in-person discussion I had with Ron prior to reading and the stories from the book itself has lead me to have even more respect for the man who is one half of CBC's Hockey Night In Canada. Usually he spends his time letting others tell their stories, so it's nice to now have insight into his own thoughts.

Though the demographic for this book is partially limited to Canadians and hockey fans, anyone who follows current events and the trends of broadcasting should take notice. As someone who is Canadian, a fan of hockey, big follower of current events and hopes for a career in media, this book was right up my alley.

Definitely consider checking this one out.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book about Ron MacLean's life and his broadcasting career. Tons of great anecdotes and background. He isn't the exact man I thought he was, which was a bit of a surprise. After seeing someone on television week after week for 30 years you get an idea of what you think that person is like. He didn't seem to hold anything back about himself and it read as a very honest book. I liked that. I've seen some reviews that said the book jumped timelines a little too much for them, but I didn't find this at all. It's written in a generally linear fashion. There are occasions when Ron will be talking about something that will trigger a memory from a different time that he will reference, but it all happens in a very natural fashion, so I don't know what the complaints are really about.

Anyway, if you have any interest in Ron, Coach's Corner, and the tons of other projects he's been involved in then you'll find it enjoyable! It's a gooder!

[Stefan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Nice to learn some behind-the-scenes info from Ron's days with CBC and Hockey Night in Canada. I knew he was a little bit of a rebel, but didn't know that he sometimes took things a little too far for the broadcaster's liking.

My wife thinks that Don Cherry doesn't like Ron MacLean as he's always nattering at him on Coach's Corner. I was able to let her know that there is no truth to what she was thinking. Ron and Don are the best of friends, both very opinionated, but that's what makes them so good as a team.

If you are a fan of Ron MacLean, Hockey Night in Canada, and/or Coach's Corner you should find this book interesting. It is a very quick read, so it should not take you too long.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “Cornered”, Ron MacLean talks about many things. Some are tied directly to his moderator role on Hockey Night in Canada's “Coach's Corner”, some are tied to his personal relationship with the aforementioned coach, Don Cherry. We learn about Ron's personal history, growing up in Alberta and getting into the broadcast industry, and we get a glimpse of his current home life in Ontario. We also are given some insight into the National Hockey League, or at least into the personalities that make up the game during the past 20 years. We also gain some insight into the personal and political beliefs into the author.

Overall, a good read. Often great.

RATING: 4 stars.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ron's writing style is very broadcast based - short sentences, very conversational. For his biographer I really enjoyed this style. I don't think I'd ever pick up a biography on Don Cherry as he's not my style but I do find him an intriguing character and Ron provided some good insight (very positive) on Don's lifestyle, beliefs and career. I found myself really moved by the chapters about the Olympics - especially Beijing in 2008 when Ron announced live on air that he'd just discovered his mother's passing. I remember watching that moment live and being very moved so reading the background of how that all happened was very interesting and again moving.

[Nancy Maclean Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be forewarned, I am a big fan of Ron MacLean, HNIC, hockey, and memoirs by sports journalists so my review is very biased. To those who share the same affections, this is a fun read. The writing is ordinary and often disjointed, but who cares? MacLean's anecdotes, candidness, and self-deprecating humor are entertaining. I read the book in one sitting with a smile on my face almost the entire time. To non-HNIC fans and to those looking for a literary classic, this book is not for you.

[Gord · Rating 3 out of 5]

It read like Ron was talking to me, which made it a light, enjoyable read. Not a lot of depth, but some fun stories and some great insight, as you would expect, into Ron and Don and particularly the dynamics between the two. A great book to read in between some heavier topics - just to get your mind focused on some of the important things in life... according to Ron.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always admired the work of broadcaster Ron Maclean for his breadth of hockey knowledge and his "opposites attract" rapport with Don Cherry, legendary character and former coach of the Boston Bruins.

This book taught me to appreciate Mr. Maclean for the unique person he is in his own right. For the human being, not merely the public persona.

[Frank Corriveau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable book. It's interesting to hear about the antics behind the scenes. I also learned about Ron's life and how he comes to use philosophy. He doesn't just entertain, he tries to inform.

[Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. And it was okay, but I was expecting more. I’ve met Ron before in Red Deer (where we are both from), and I really admire him. He and I went to the same junior high school, and he mentions a few people in the book who I know. But there was just something missing from the book. His stories jumped around. There wasn’t a lot of flow to it. He continually talks about the amount of beer he drinks. Not the worst hockey book I’ve ever read, but I was certainly hoping for more.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always liked Ron MacLean on Coaches Corner. Right from the start, you notice his fair-mindedness, his playful humour in handling Don Cherry and, of course, his wonderfully timed puns.
I imagine it takes some effort (and practice) to come across as even-keel, knowledgeable and yet somewhat humble (on television). This book does a pretty good job of describing MacLean's life leading up to and including his broadcasting career.
At times, I felt the book was disjointed / scattered, perhaps because it's easier to wow with mental gymnastics when your audience is more concerned with entertainment than analysis (and that's what you'll get with a television vs. book audience, in my opinion). This also led me to feel like the book read a lot like Theo Fleury's autobiography except without the F-bombs. Since I read an ebook version, I didn't find out they had the same co-author until the end when I was reading the "About the Authors" section - and thus my feelings had some rational basis.
Anyway, the general trivia was good, some of his philosophical ramblings were interesting, such as sports needing to be honourable above all else [money, winning, etc.]), and his analysis of the current state of the game. Analysis Examples:
-how stick work, now illegal, tipped off players to where others were on the ice;
- how all the rule changes increase the speed to the players' brains detriment;
- how defencemen are under extreme pressure/danger because of the forecheck/speed of the game, resulting in "predictable Ping-Pong match where guys make the 'easy play'. Chipping it into the corner. Chipping it out on the glass. Back and forth" (I think he nails this).
- how TV timeouts hurt the game because it allows the 1st/2nd lines to rest / play more turning the little played 3rd/4th into energy-balls / "time bombs...[aiming] to prove themselves". (Again, nails it. I'd never even thought of this aspect).
- how the ice surface is too small (everything else has changed but that)
- how the "elimination of the red line for two-line passes was a mistake" because it allows for an icing play (player tips it into the offensive zone) much more than a breakaway pass (which was intended). "It's a lot like table hockey". Great analogy.
etc.

Here's a quote from the book: "... in my view, new rules are not as effective as adjusting attitudes". And with this I agree. There's nothing honourable about hurting others so that you win games.

There was only a bit that was boring and some things that just lowered my opinion of him that made me not like the book as much. For example, I think he does come across as selfish/self-centered (and admits as much), possibly being the result of a coddled only-child. He has some bizarre ideas without really explaining them. Example: something about loving everyone exactly the same (we're just "1 in 6 billion"). The person he hardly knows, to his colleague, to his wife. It just comes across as unrealistic and, frankly, implies there's nothing really special about his wife - like he'd easily move on. That's just how it comes across, especially without further explanation.

Another example is where he's talking about moderating ideas/people outside our control and says this: "I always had a sense that the Golden Rule was wrong. That's just bartering. I think you should do unto others what is right, and expect nothing in return."

That's an interesting philosophy and something I'd like to see explicated a little more. For one, I think understanding the Golden Rule as "bartering" is wrong. He seems to think it means doing something for someone else *so that* they'll do the same to you. Oh dear. I think I'm just harping on this because I've seen the Golden Rule take a few hits from various sources lately (even if they are like Theo Fleury hits on Scott Stevens - to get a hockey analogy in).
The irony here is that when Jesus (for example) talks about 'the Golden Rule', he then right away talks about doing good to others expecting nothing in return. It's like he's quoting Ron MacLean! (Except Jesus is even taking it further talking about our enemies, not just random nice people at hockey games or whatnot). I've just explained why I'd like MacLean to go into more detail on some of his 'philosophizing', because to me, some of it just doesn't make sense.

But, like I said at the start, Ron MacLean is a pretty decent chap of goodwill who's good to watch on TV, who I think takes his role pretty seriously, and who is appreciative of where he is in life. It's like a bowl of Cherries. (Had to try to end with a pun, sorry...)

[Sean Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I thought I would. It is quite readable, as Kirstie McLellan-Day lends a similar supportive style to this work as she did to Theo Fleury's book. I particularly enjoyed the historical aspect of the book, as McLean takes the reader through his early days in radio and then television. I suspect, however, many readers would be impatient for the Don Cherry anecdotes, of which there are many, but these, while amusing at times, become repetitive. Where McLean does succeed unequivocally is in shedding more than a little light on his left-of-centre, sensitive personality. I will admit that I always thought this was schtick, put on for the cameras to play the straight man to Cherry, and while that still may be true to an extent, reading about his life off-camera and away from Cherry and the CBC (which, incidentally, is not exactly painted in brilliant light) is certainly the aspect of his autobiography I enjoyed most.

[Cardmaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that Ron MacLean should stick to broadcasting and never write another book. It was amateurish at best and choppy and uninteresting at worst.

He spent most of his time trying to convince us that how humble he is while telling us what an authority he is on everything. He wrote very little about Hockey Night in Canada which is what I wanted to read about. He does talk a lot about hockey players which some people might find interesting.

He makes note (several times) about how many Gemini Awards he's won and how he's given away all but the first one because they just don't mean anything to him. Yes, he's on TV every week in front of millions but it's "just a job".

All in all, I wouldn't walk across the street to meet the man now that I've read this book. He sure doesn't sound like someone I'd like. Too bad, because before I read the book, I thought he would be.

[Matthew Antosh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ron MacLean doesn't exist without Don Cherry. There where times in this book where Ron would relate an anecdote about his childhood, which he would then relate to something 'Grapes' told him.

Ron reminds me of Fox News show Hannity & Colmes. The premise was that the loud, boisterous far-right wind-bag would talk over the weak-willed center-right 'liberal'. Ron MacLean is Alan Colmes. He tries, bless his heart, but it's really not enough in the face of the overwhelming loudness of Cherry. This book has Cheerys voice running though it.

I did find the 'insider sports' perspective of the CBC very interesting, and there is a really good chapter on NHL labour relations.

Most damning of all - Ron MacLean didn't think that a NHL franchise in Winnipeg could work. F' that.

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended me by one of my best friends. I grew up listening to Ron MacLean and Don Cherry, so it was really interesting to read about essentially the hockey of my childhood from someone who was on the front lines. The game certainly has changed a lot, and there was definitely more going on than I was ever aware about.

The book has a great pace, the chapters are short, and you don't get bogged down anywhere.

Overall, a good read, and I would recommend it if you're into hockey like a good biography. Ron certainly has had an interesting life!

[Hugh Egener · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy read but too much about Don Cherry. Boy they packed away the beer to unwind after telecasts. Ron was certainly a hard working nerd who was lucky to literally fall into broadcasting in Red Deer, AB. I shouldn't say this . . . but I always think about how easy it is for guys without kids. He certainly worked hard, but I sometimes go nuts over his mannerisms, especially on Battle of the Blades. Read it if you want to be in media entertainment.

[Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting anything shocking or dramatic with a Ron MacLean book, but I loved hearing about how his career started and all the behind the scene stories of Hockey Night in Canada. After reading this, I definitely watch Coach's Corner differently and with much more appreciation.

If you're expecting a drama-filled, NHL "tell all" hockey book remember that this isn't Don Cherry, it is good ole Ron.

[Gisela · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a long-time hockey fan, I enjoyed this book. I especially liked MacLean's analysis of the state of the game today, which I thought was very insightful. There were some interesting and humourous stories as well, although I have to admit that, at the same time, I found some of them to be a bit off-putting. The writing also seemed to be rather disjointed in places, but I'd still recommend this book to any hockey and/or HNIC fan.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright. There were some interesting insights into Ron's career, and I did enjoy hearing his opinions about certain aspects of the broadcast industry and the game of hockey. That said, it's not the best written book. It jumps around a lot, and feels more like short tangents all stuck together than a cohesive book.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ron MacLean is one of our media icons here in Canada, but I found this autobiography to be a bit thin. It's fairly revealing though. MacLean comes across as a nice guy on TV but he shows a bit of an edge in this book. For some there's too much Don Cherry in here, for others, not enough. Overall it's a quick read, but I was left wanting a bit more depth.

[Robert Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting bio of HNIC and CBC Sportscaster Ron Maclean. The book is engaging, thought provoking and at times, hilarious. Gives me a better understanding of the man and also the probable reasons that he is no longer the host of HNIC which is a national disgrace in my opinion.

Great read and I highly recommend this one.

4 stars out of 5

[Eric Aubin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting stories but in the end I found some of Ron's values to be misguided from my perspective. He has a great gift of the gab and is the perfect foil for Grapes. Someone needs to explain to him though that his signature segment endings aren't "puns", they are a "play on words." So much more sophisticated Ron than calling them puns.

[Sherri · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had so much potential but the chapters were so disjointed. The book just had an air of disorganization about it. I love biographies, but this one was a dud. It really is too bad, because there were a few good moments but not enough to make it worth the read.

[Marcella · Rating 3 out of 5]

so far so good :) great read for anyone who grew up with Coaches Corner/ Hockey Night in Canada, etc
Ron is very personable and we all like to hear the Grapes stories/hockey stories, CBC as business stories...etc

[David]

Just pre ordered the special audio video edition for the Kindle Fire(comes out on Dec 13th). Looking forward to reading (hearing/watching) this one, always been a big fan of Ron and Don's Hockey Night in Canada banter.

[Mitch Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for Christmas and finished it boxing day, because I couldn't put it down. It's a light read and has a great flow to it with some great stories. It felt like having a beer with a friend.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a lifelong hockey fan, I was extremely disappointed in this book. There was far too much information about Ron's life before he started working on Hockey Night in Canada. I was interested in the hockey stories he has been involved in.