Editing Ron MacLean

{{Short description|Canadian sportscaster (born 1960)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox person 
| name        = Ron MacLean
| image       = Hockey Night in Canada - Ron MacLean.jpg
| caption     = MacLean in 2006
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1960|4|12|mf=y}} 
| birth_place = [[Zweibrücken]], [[West Germany]]
| nationality=Canadian
| employer    = [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]<br />[[Rogers Media]]
| known_for   = Co-host of ''[[Hockey Night in Canada]]''
}}

'''Ronald Joseph Corbett MacLean''' (born April 12, 1960)<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/corneredhijinksh0000macl |url-access=registration |quote=ROnald Joseph corbett maclean. |title=Cornered: Hijinks, Highlights, Late Nights and Insights |year=2011 |publisher=Harper Collins |author= Ron MacLean, Kirstie McLellan Day |isbn=9781554689743 }}</ref><ref name="cbpost"/> is a Canadian sportscaster for the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] and [[Rogers Media]], best known as the host of ''[[Hockey Night in Canada]]'' from 1986 to 2014 and again since 2016. MacLean is also a former hockey referee.

==Early life and education==
MacLean was born in [[Zweibrücken]], [[West Germany]], at the NATO Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)  Number 3 Fighter Wing Zweibrucken, West Germany on April 12, 1960.<ref name="cbpost"/> His father was  stationed at the NATO RCAF Number 1 Air Division Headquarters, Chateau de Mercy, Metz, France where he was employed in the Chateau as a  NCO Communications Operator (Crypto Centre). 

Ron MacLean Sr., of [[Sydney, Nova Scotia]], married in July 1959 at 1 Air Division  Metz, a member of the RCAF, Sarah "Lila" MacDonald, from [[Iona, Nova Scotia]]. In 1956-57 Ron MacLean Sr. worked as a communications operator at RCAF Station Edmonton, while MacDonald was an airwoman/clerk stationed at [[RCAF Station Namao]], just outside Edmonton.<ref name="cbpost">{{cite web |title=Hockey broadcaster's roots remembered |url=http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letter-to-the-Editor/2015-11-15/article-4344398/Hockey-broadcaster's-roots-remembered/1 |website=www.capebretonpost.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118113406/http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letter-to-the-Editor/2015-11-15/article-4344398/Hockey-broadcaster%26rsquo%3Bs-roots-remembered/1 |archive-date=November 18, 2015}}</ref> Fourteen months after MacLean's birth, the family moved back to Canada, initially settling in [[Chester, Nova Scotia]]. MacLean was four years old when his dad was stationed in [[Whitehorse]], [[Yukon]], with the Royal Canadian Air Force before relocating eventually in [[Sylvan Lake, Alberta|Sylvan Lake]], [[Alberta]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Whitehorse Daily Star: Hometown Hockey visit a homecoming for host |url=https://www.whitehorsestar.com/Sports/hometown-hockey-visit-a-homecoming-for-host |website=Whitehorse Daily Star |language=en}}</ref>

He attended high school in [[Red Deer, Alberta]], where he met his future wife Cari.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Nicholas Hune-Brown |title=Minutes from Death: How Ron MacLean's Wife Cari Came Back From the Brink |url=https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/ron-maclean-s-wife-cari-came-back-brink/ |website=readersdigest.ca |access-date=February 27, 2020 |date=2013}}</ref> After high school, MacLean was prepared to attend the [[University of Alberta]] until he was asked to fill in for a sick friend at [[CKRD-FM]], which led to a job at [[CHCA-TV|CKRD-TV]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hockey Night with Ron MacLean |url=https://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/2905519-hockey-night-with-ron-maclean/ |website=insidehalton.com |access-date=February 27, 2020 |date=February 4, 2006}}</ref>

==Career==
===''Hockey Night in Canada''===
[[File:Cherry Maclean.jpg|right|thumb|MacLean (right) with [[Don Cherry (ice hockey)|Don Cherry]] at the [[2002 Winter Olympics]] in [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]]]
MacLean has worked on ''Hockey Night in Canada'' since [[1986–87 NHL season|1986–87]]. He began hosting telecasts in [[Calgary Flames|Calgary]] and [[Toronto Maple Leafs|Toronto]] when [[Dave Hodge]] moved to [[Vancouver Canucks|Vancouver]]. Hodge was later suspended, and eventually quit, protesting a CBC programming decision on-air. He worked his first Stanley Cup Finals that spring and has been the early game host ever since. Part of his duties included hosting ''[[Coach's Corner]]'' with [[Don Cherry]].

Contract negotiations with [[CBC Sports]] [[Executive director|Executive Director]] [[Nancy Lee (producer)|Nancy Lee]] and the president of English television had hit a standstill in the [[2001–02 NHL season]]. MacLean threatened to leave CBC on the advice of his agent [[Don Meehan]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mcgill.ca/news/2003/fall/meehan/three/ |title=Playing the Game (Page 3)<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611034147/http://www.mcgill.ca/news/2003/fall/meehan/three/ |archive-date=June 11, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> That made headlines across Canada and following a huge [[Moral panic|public outcry]], the CBC quickly gave in to his demands.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/maclean-and-cbc-reach-new-deal-1.339356 Macleancbc1002a]</ref><ref>[http://www.caaws.ca/e/leadership/article.cfm?id=150 caaws.ca/e/leadership/article] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120720172741/http://www.caaws.ca/e/leadership/article.cfm?id=150 |date=July 20, 2012 }}</ref>
[[File:CBC Live at Sherway Ron Mclean.jpg|thumb|right|MacLean in 2013 at a CBC Live event]]
In addition to hosting ''HNIC'', he has been a part of the CBC's [[Olympics]] coverage since 1988. He took over as chief anchor following the departure of [[Brian Williams (sportscaster)|Brian Williams]] to [[CTV Television Network|CTV]]/[[The Sports Network|TSN]]. MacLean was the main sportscaster and host for the [[2008 Summer Olympic Games]] in [[Beijing]] until his mother died, causing him to hand over duties to [[Scott Russell (commentator)|Scott Russell]].<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.720/ron-maclean-leaving-cbc-s-beijing-broadcast-1.715552 olympics-ron-maclean]</ref> In 1993, MacLean served as an ice level reporter for [[NHL on NBC|NBC Sports]]' coverage of the [[44th National Hockey League All-Star Game|NHL All-Star Game]] in [[Montreal Forum|Montreal]]. MacLean has also hosted CBC's coverage of the [[Queen's Plate]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.horse-races.net/library/qp08-entries.htm |title=2008 Queen's Plate Entries |publisher=Horse-races.net |access-date=January 19, 2013}}</ref>

Beginning with the [[2014–15 NHL season]], MacLean was hired by [[Rogers Media]] when the company [[NHL on Sportsnet|acquired the national rights to the NHL]]. MacLean was removed from the host position of ''Hockey Night in Canada'', but retained his role as host of ''Coach's Corner'', and became an on-location host for the new, travelling ''Hometown Hockey'' broadcasts introduced that season. On June 27, 2016, Rogers announced that MacLean would be reinstated as host of the early games on ''Hockey Night'' beginning in the upcoming season, replacing [[George Stroumboulopoulos]].<ref name="sportsnet-macleanisback">{{cite web|title=Ron MacLean to host Hockey Night in Canada, with David Amber|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ron-maclean-host-hockey-night-canada-david-amber/|website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=June 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name="torstar-stromboisout">{{cite news|title=Ron MacLean to replace Strombo on Hockey Night in Canada: Feschuk|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2016/06/19/ron-maclean-to-replace-strombo-on-hockey-night-in-canada-feschuk.html|website=Toronto Star|date=June 19, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref>

On November 9, 2019, MacLean's co-host Don Cherry made remarks during ''Coach's Corner'' suggesting that Canadian immigrants benefit from the sacrifices of veterans and do not wear [[remembrance poppies]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/online-backlash-against-don-cherry-for-comments-on-immigrants-and-remembrance-day|title='You people': Don Cherry under fire for claiming new immigrants don't wear Remembrance Day poppies |agency=The Canadian Press |date=November 10, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019}}</ref> MacLean, who nodded during Cherry's rant and flashed a thumbs-up sign at the end of Saturday's segment, apologized the following day for staying silent during Cherry's remarks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6151647/don-cherry-immigrants-poppies/|title=Ron MacLean apologizes for not challenging Don Cherry's 'hurtful and prejudiced' comments|website=Global News|access-date=November 12, 2019}}</ref> The following day, Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley announced that Cherry had been fired: "Following further discussions with Don Cherry after Saturday night's broadcast, it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/don-cherry-fired-after-scolding-immigrants-who-don-t-wear-poppies-1.4680203|title=Don Cherry fired after scolding immigrants who don't wear poppies|website=CTV News|date=November 11, 2019 |access-date=November 11, 2019}}</ref> The following day, Cherry expressed his disappointment over MacLean's apology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/i-don-t-regret-a-thing-don-cherry-speaks-out-on-his-firing-and-ron-maclean-1.4680203|title='I don't regret a thing': Don Cherry speaks out on his firing and Ron MacLean {{!}} CTV News|website=www.ctvnews.ca|date=November 11, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/video/6160408/he-buried-me-don-cherry-says-hes-disappointed-in-co-host-ron-maclean|title='He buried me': Don Cherry says he's disappointed in co-host Ron MacLean|publisher=globalnews.ca|date=November 12, 2019}}</ref> On November 16, 2019, MacLean addressed and reflected on the incident during ''Hockey Night in Canada'', the first without Cherry, also announcing the end of ''Coach's Corner''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-maclean-calls-first-hockey-night-without-cherry-the-end-of-an-era/|title=MacLean calls first "Hockey Night" without Cherry the "end of an era"|publisher=theglobeandmail.com|date=November 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6179202/ron-maclean-don-cherry-hockey-night-in-canada/|title=Ron MacLean addresses viewers in first Hockey Night in Canada without Don Cherry|publisher=globalnews.ca|date=November 16, 2019}}</ref>

===Hockey Canada===
In addition to his work at the CBC, MacLean is a former Level 5 [[referee]] with [[Hockey Canada]]. He has refereed in junior, minor pro, senior, and university leagues across Canada, mostly in the [[Southern Ontario]] region. He served as a referee in the September 29, 2006, NHL preseason matchup of the [[Buffalo Sabres]] and the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]],<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ron-maclean-referees-nhl-game-1.606990 | work=CBC News | title=Ron MacLean referees NHL game | date=September 30, 2006 |access-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref> calling one penalty in the final minute of the game.

==Awards and honours==
MacLean has won eight [[Gemini Award]]s for his work with CBC.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/programguide/personality/?personality=MacLean%2C+Ron&program=Hockey+Night+in+Canada | title=CBC.ca - Program Guide - Ron MacLean|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214155112/http://www.cbc.ca/programguide/personality/?personality=MacLean%2C+Ron&program=Hockey+Night+in+Canada|archive-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> His first was in 1992 for Best Sports Broadcaster; he also won the Best Sports Broadcaster award in 1994, 1997, 1998 and 2001. He won Best Host or Interviewer in a Sports Program or Sportscast in 2004 and again in 2006. In 1996, he was inducted into the [[Alberta Sports Hall of Fame]]. In 2015, he was inducted into the Oakville Sports Hall of Fame. In 2016, MacLean, along with his Coach's Corner co-host Don Cherry, received a star on [[Canada's Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/coachs-corner|title=Coach's Corner|website=Canada's Walk of Fame}}</ref>

MacLean received an honorary degree from [[Lakehead University]] in 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-22 |title=Ron MacLean receives honourary degree from Lakehead (6 photos) |url=https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/ron-maclean-receives-honourary-degree-from-lakehead-6-photos-1058255 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=TBNewsWatch.com |language=en}}</ref> and the [[University of Alberta]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bench |first1=Allison |title=Ron MacLean in Edmonton for honorary degree from U of A in midst of Cherry controversy |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6188763/maclean-honorary-doctor-of-law-u-of-a/ |website=globalnews.ca |access-date=February 27, 2020 |date=November 19, 2019}}</ref>

==Personal life==
MacLean was named Honorary Colonel of the 1 Air Movements Squadron at [[17 Wing Winnipeg]] of the [[Canadian Forces]]' [[Royal Canadian Air Force|Air Command]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Warmington |first1=Joe |title=Cherry stands by his pal MacLean |url=https://torontosun.com/2012/05/10/grapes-stands-by-his-pal/wcm/019d82bc-5102-4f57-9cd6-8010ba10e30b |access-date=February 27, 2020 |publisher=Toronto Sun |date=May 10, 2012}}</ref>

On June 3, 2010, MacLean helped to rescue a man trying to take his own life, by jumping into the [[Delaware River]] in [[Philadelphia]].<ref name=saveslife>{{cite news|title=Hockey Night in Canada's Ron MacLean jumps in river to save suicidal man|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/06/03/hockey-night-in-canada%E2%80%99s-ron-maclean-jumps-in-river-to-save-suicidal-man/|access-date=February 3, 2011|newspaper=The National Post|date=June 3, 2010|agency=Postmedia News|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129162650/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/06/03/hockey-night-in-canada%E2%80%99s-ron-maclean-jumps-in-river-to-save-suicidal-man/|archive-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref>

In 2010, MacLean and his [[Ford Mustang (third generation)|1986 Ford Mustang]] were profiled by ''[[The Globe and Mail]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commuting/sports-car-for-a-sports-guy/article4327436/ | title=Sports car for a sports guy | newspaper=The Globe and Mail | date=September 29, 2010 | last1=Gentile | first1=Petrina }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
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* {{Twitter}}
*{{IMDb name|0533816}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Maclean, Ron}}
[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:Canadian horse racing announcers]]
[[Category:Canadian television sportscasters]]
[[Category:Olympic Games broadcasters]]
[[Category:CBC Television people]]
[[Category:Canadian Screen Award winners]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:National Hockey League broadcasters]]
[[Category:People from Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia]]
[[Category:People from Oakville, Ontario]]
[[Category:People from Zweibrücken]]
[[Category:Canadian television hosts]]
[[Category:Alberta Sports Hall of Fame inductees]]