Hockey Night In Canada Star Ron McLean and Maple Leafs Bobby McMann
Photo credit: NHL

Ron Maclean makes things super awkward with Leafs Bobby McMann

Published March 24, 2024 at 2:19 PM
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Ron McLean got into an awkward conversation with Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Bobby McMann, in a long line of confusing moments to Hockey fans.

Ron McLean's Comments Confuse Leafs Fans



As a leading figure on Hockey Night In Canada, Ron McLean is viewed by many as an authority on the game. McLean, known for his heavy arsenal of knowledge on the sport and it's history, has spent decades applying it to speaking on Hockey. Others have argued the longtime figurehead has lost his touch, out of date with the current game.

In an interview with Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Bobby McMann, who came off a three point night against the Edmonton Oilers, was in discussion with the HNIC panel. McLean asked McMann, who is from Wainwright, Alberta, if he was aware of fellow Wainwright native Glen Sather, the multi-time NHL Head Coach & General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty.


McMann, who was not familiar with Sather, listened to McLean speak on how Sather's mother Hazel ran a clothing store for dresses, while mentioning Sather as "the king of swagger". McLean compared the Leaf to the former GM, calling McMann a "haberdasher", known as someone who deals in fashion, comparing McMann's game to Sather's flashy persona, and his mother's background in clothing.



The comments confused some, who failed to understand both the comparison of Sather and McMann, and it's relevancy to the game at hand, or how a clothing store has importance when discussing the game. McMann, who appeared a bit confused by the comments, was cordial throughout. Fans were much more amused.



The 63-year-old McLean has been with Hockey Night In Canada since 1986, a longtime figure in not just the company, but in Canadian sports media. McLean had previously hosted Coach's Corner with former NHL Head Coach Don Cherry, with the program canceled in 2019 after Cherry, similarly targeted for his old-school mannerisms, went on a rant against immigrants viewed as racist.

McLean, much more timid and non-partisan, continued on HNIC in different capacities following the shows cancelation.

McMann, who came off a three-point effort, including two goals, helped lead Toronto to a 6-3 win over the Oilers. McMann, 27, has 13 goals and 22 points in 45 games for the Maple Leafs on the season.

Read more at Blade of Steel - Ron MacLean continues to make things incredibly awkward
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