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. 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. 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." The following day, Cherry had expressed his disappointment over MacLean's apology. 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".