Ron MacLean is a prominent Canadian sports broadcaster, best known for his longtime role as host of Hockey Night in Canada.
His career, which began in the 1980s, has made him one of the most famous faces in Canadian sports broadcasting.
MacLean’s involvement in the sport spanned decades, and his collaboration with Don Cherry on the popular segment Coach’s Corner brought him widespread acclaim.
In addition to his work in hockey, MacLean was noted for his contributions to Olympic coverage and other sports broadcasts, making him an important figure in Canadian media.
File
- – Full name: Ronald Joseph Corbett MacLean
- – Nickname: Ron
- – Date of birth: April 12, 1960
- – Age: 64 years old
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Zweibrücken, West Germany
- – Nationality: Canadian
- – Occupation: Sports announcer, TV presenter
- – Height: Not applicable
- – Parents: Ron MacLean Sr. and Lila MacDonald
- – Siblings: Not applicable
- – Spouse: Cari MacLean
- – Children: Not applicable
- – Relationship status: Married
- – Religion: Not applicable
- – Ethnicity: Not applicable
- – Net worth: 3 million USD (approximately)
Early life and education
Ron MacLean, now 64, was born on April 12, 1960 in Zweibrücken, West Germany, where his father was stationed as an air force officer. Not long after his birth, the family moved back to Canada, where MacLean grew up in Red Deer, Alberta.
Growing up in a military family, MacLean moved often but showed an early passion for sports, especially hockey. He attended high school in Red Deer, where he met his future wife, Cari.
Although MacLean initially planned to study at the University of Alberta, his broadcasting career began unexpectedly when he was asked to cover for a friend at a local radio station. This opportunity led him to pursue a career in sports media, forgoing formal college education.
Personal life
Ron MacLean has been married to his high school sweetheart, Cari, for many years. Their relationship began at a young age and they remained a strong couple despite facing significant challenges.
During one particularly harrowing experience, Cari faced a life-threatening medical emergency, and Ron stood by her side through it, demonstrating the depth of their bond.
Despite the pressures of her famous career, MacLean has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on her marriage and close relationships rather than seeking attention.
Career
Ron MacLean’s sports broadcasting career began in the late 1970s at a small radio station in Red Deer, Alberta. His big break came in 1986 when he joined Hockey Night in Canada, initially as a television host from Western Canada.
When his role expanded, he became the main host, working alongside Don Cherry on the Coach’s Corner segment, which became iconic in Canadian sports culture.
MacLean also covered the Olympics and many other sports throughout his career, cementing his status as a versatile and respected broadcaster.
Prize
- – Eight Gemini Awards for his work with CBC
- – Inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame (1996)
- – Inducted into the Oakville Sports Hall of Fame (2015)
- – Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2016, with Don Cherry)
Net worth
Ron MacLean’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 million. His wealth stems primarily from a long career in sports broadcasting, including his roles on Hockey Night in Canada and other media ventures.
Argumentative
Ron MacLean has been involved in a number of controversies throughout his career, most notably his partnership with Don Cherry. In 2019, Cherry made controversial comments on Coach’s Corner about Canadian immigrants, leading to backlash.
MacLean remained silent throughout the broadcast and was criticized for not challenging Cherry’s statements. He later issued a public apology, causing a rift between the two longtime colleagues. The incident eventually led to Cherry’s dismissal and the end of Coach’s corner.
MacLean has also been criticized for other moments in his career, including his 2010 coverage of a controversial incident involving an NHL player, which some considered biased.
Social Media
- – Instagram: Not applicable
- – Twitter: Not applicable