Don Cherry calls out Montreal Canadiens owner for criticism on Pacioretty hit

TORONTO - Don Cherry blasted Montreal Canadiens chairman Geoff Molson for his criticism of the NHL in the wake of the hit that put Max Pacioretty in hospital with a cracked vertebra.

Cherry, who says he supports the league's decision not to suspend Boston defenceman Zdeno Chara for the hit, addressed Molson during Saturday's "Coach's Corner" segment on CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada."

Cherry says the layout of the boards and glass at the Bell Centre, which is owned by Molson and his brothers, is dangerous.

"Tell you one thing, Geoff, call all your players together in the dressing room. And you say (to them), 'How do you feel playing 41 games with the boards in Montreal?' Worst in the league for injuries. Ask them that instead of going in the paper," Cherry said.

On Thursday, Molson released a letter expressing "frustration, disappointment and shock," over the hit Tuesday's game that also left Pacioretty with a severe concussion.

"Let's start with your building, your stanchion and turnbuckles are a joke," Cherry said.

Cherry also sounded off on the various corporate sponsors that spoke out about the hit.

Via Rail issued a letter condemning the league's decision not to suspend Chara while Air Canada told the NHL it was considering withdrawing its sponsorship unless the league tightens rules to reduce potentially serious injuries.

"How about VIA Rail? What a phoney they are jumping on the bandwagon. And Air Canada, you should be ashamed of yourself. By the way, where are their corporate headquarters? We know where they are—Montreal."