"You were sensational! You had your audience totally enthralled with your presentation. This is the first time where everyone stayed to hear the guest speaker. Thank you for taking the time to talk with the delegates, sign autographs and pose for pictures. Ron, you certainly have an uncanny ability to make people feel like they've just gained a new friend."
Ontario Park and Recreation
Ron MacLean is regarded by millions of Canadians as their most-beloved sports commentator. He is best known as the straight man on CBC’s Coach's Corner with partner Don Cherry. Above all, Ron is adored by Canadians because of his genuine enthusiasm for sports – and in particular for his incredible knowledge of, and profound love for, the game of hockey.
Ron began his career as late night newscaster on a radio station in Red Deer Alberta and slowly began the climb up the ladder to disc jockey and program manager, on to television as a weatherman, then hockey commentator for the Calgary Flames and finally, to Hockey Night in Canada and national renown. After joining the CBC network in 1986, MacLean hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs' telecasts on Hockey Night in Canada before becoming the full-time national host in 1987.
In his keynotes, MacLean draws on his experiences with the hundreds of athletes he's met to show you how sports provides a canvas on which the best of human achievement is showcased. He tells the stories behind the stories that appear on television, and he touches on issues such as great leadership, teamwork, and individual performances. Always engaging and personable, he is a popular choice for any corporate and association audience.
In addition to Coach’s Corner, Ron also hosts Hockey Night’s 30-minute pre-game show and After 40 Minutes, which offers an inside look at the NHL. During the hockey off-season, Ron expands his professional duties to include hosting CBC's coverage of the Summer and Winter Olympics, Calgary Stampede, Commonwealth Games and World Track & Field Championships. He hosted much of CBC’s coverage of the 2004 games in Athens and February 2006 Olympic in Turin, Italy.
To date, Ron has received seven Gemini Awards in the category of Best Sports Broadcaster. He enjoys sailing, cycling, and walking his dog, Lewis.