Hockey Icon Don Cherry Makes his Feelings Known and Gives a Strong Opinion on Whitecloud's Big Hit on Knies

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Tom Banks
November 23, 2024 (12:11)

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The NHL has been talking non-stop about Zach Whitecloud's hit on Matthew Knies, and now another prominent NHL figure has weighed in on the play that has divided so much opinion among the fan base and analysts alike.

For the past week, discussion around the NHL and rule 48 involving illegal hits to the head of an opponent has been running rampant, and now a legend has weighed in on the recent controversy.

During the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vegas Golden Knights showdown, Zach Whitecloud appeared to hit Matthew Knies in the head, and just days after Ryan Reaves was suspended for the same act, he was given just a minor penalty upon review.

The hit caused an uproar on social media, with many, mostly Toronto Maple Leafs fans, believing that the NHL would come down on the Golden Knights defenseman after little was done about the play on the ice, with the overwhelming majority looking at this as a dirty hit.

Unfortunately for those fans, Whitecloud escaped any consequences for the hit, leaving many hockey analysts to weigh in on the situation.

Now, a few days later, former Hockey Night in Canada host Don Cherry has joined the choir, and unsurprisingly, he has defended the NHL's decision, believing it was a clean hit.

According to Cherry, it was a good hit, and while fans continue to complain, the league put out a video explaining the situation, and after that, it's hard to argue with their reasoning.

While the NHL will need to be consistent moving forward after this ruling, they've now set the standard, and although many still disagree, we will see if the league can continue making the right calls.