A nationwide faceoff is going on across Canada after a neurosurgeon said at a seminar over the weekend that TV hockey analyst Don Cherry is partially to blame for the serious injuries and concussions sustained by hockey players.

For those unfamiliar, Don Cherry is a divisive, controversial and beloved coach-turned-commentator who is a weekly highlight of the CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada.” He dresses like Liberace, but maintains his tough-guy image, and Dr. Charles Tator says that tough-guy persona is part of the problem. Tator referred to Cherry’s approach as “an aggressive, lack-of-respect hockey,” according to a CBC report.

“If he took a strong stand against no hits to the head, it would help,” Tator said at the conference, even praising Cherry’s previous work in the 1990s when he promoted “STOP,” an effort to prevent hitting other players on the ice from behind.

The story has had Cherry’s supporters and detractors lighting up message boards in support or to jump on the effort against him.

Cherry’s boss at “Hockey Night in Canada” was one of those quick to jump to his defense.

“Everything from championing on-ice rules and equipment changes to leading the STOP sign campaign, he has been the leader in teaching tough, smart hockey and promotes respect amongst players at every level,” executive producer Sherali Najak said Sunday in a release.

“Everyone who has watched Don over the years knows this, and any indication otherwise is misguided and a short-sighted misrepresentation of the facts.”

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