CBC-TV production of Don Cherry biopic to start shooting next week in Manitoba

TORONTO - Don Cherry is getting his own biopic.

The outspoken former hockey coach, a mainstay of CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada," will be the focus of a made-for-TV movie expected to air on the public broadcaster next year.

A publicist for the film says "Keep Your Head Up Kid: The Don Cherry Story," is set to begin shooting next Wednesday in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba.

The script is written by Tim Cherry, Don Cherry's son, who also serves as executive producer.

The film will reportedly include dramatizations of Cherry's boyhood in Kingston, Ont., and follow his hockey career through the minor leagues and as a coach with the Boston Bruins.

It stars Jared Keeso as Don Cherry and Sarah Manninen as Rose Cherry.

Producers are inviting hundreds of volunteer extras to come out for three days of shooting May 24, May 31 and June 14 when an arena in Brandon will double for NHL play and a rink in Selkirk will provide the background for AHL action.