John Garrett, a former NHL goaltender and beloved Vancouver Canucks color commentator, has passed away at the age of 74. Sportsnet announced the sudden death on Tuesday, with no cause disclosed.[1][2] Garrett had been working on the network’s telecast crew during the first-round playoff series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth, including ESPN’s syndicated broadcast of Game 4 on Monday night.
The hockey world is mourning the loss of one of its most familiar voices. Known affectionately as “Cheech” for his resemblance to comedian Cheech Marin, Garrett brought warmth, humor and deep insight to every broadcast.
From Trenton goalie to NHL veteran
John Garrett hailed from Trenton, Ontario, where he began his hockey journey. Undrafted, he broke into professional hockey during the 1973-74 season, splitting time between the WHA and NHL. Over 13 seasons, he played for the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks, appearing in 207 NHL games.
Garrett’s goaltending career peaked in the early 1980s with the Canucks. He earned a reputation for his quick reflexes despite standing at just 5-foot-8. One highlight came nearly winning MVP honors at the 1983 NHL All-Star Game, showcasing his puck-handling skills.[3]
His playing days ended after the 1984-85 season, but Garrett’s connection to the game only deepened. He transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, joining Hockey Night in Canada as a color commentator in 1986.
- NHL teams played for: Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, Vancouver Canucks
- Career NHL games: 207
- Notable achievement: Near-MVP performance at 1983 All-Star Game
- Post-retirement pivot: Immediate entry into TV analysis
Garrett’s goalie perspective gave him unique credibility. Fans appreciated his breakdowns of crease battles and penalty kills.
A 40-year broadcasting legacy
Garrett joined Sportsnet in 1998, initially as a studio analyst and lead color commentator for Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames games. His big break with the Canucks came in the 2002-03 season, partnering first with Jim Hughson and later John Shorthouse from 2008-09 onward.
For over 20 years, Garrett was the voice of Canucks hockey on Sportsnet Pacific. He retired from regional broadcasts after the 2022-23 season but continued national telecasts for the past three years. His final work included calling Utah’s first-ever home playoff game last Friday.[2]
Garrett’s style blended humor with expertise. He often shared stories from his playing days, making complex strategies accessible. For more on his Canucks tenure, check this Hockey News feature.
His 40-year career spanned networks like CBC and CTV Sportsnet, earning him a spot among hockey’s broadcasting elite.
Colleagues praised his authenticity. “Cheech was a legend,” Sportsnet stated in their announcement on X.
Tributes highlight his impact
The news stunned the NHL community. Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed personal sorrow, recalling a recent chat with Garrett in Utah. “We send our deepest condolences to his family, his friends around the game and his many fans,” Bettman said.
Fans flooded social media with memories. A Reddit thread captured the sentiment: “The voice of many years for Canucks fans. An amazing commentator. A great person. He will be missed.”[4]
Garrett’s nickname “Cheech” became synonymous with Canucks broadcasts. His joy for the game endeared him to generations of listeners.
- Key partnerships: Jim Hughson (2002-08), John Shorthouse (2008-23)
- Networks: Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet
- Final role: National telecasts (2023-26)
- Fan favorite trait: Humorous, heartfelt analysis
Sportsnet lauded his “insight, authenticity and heart.” Recent tributes echo his retirement honors in 2023, when Canucks fans gave standing ovations.
His influence extended beyond Vancouver. As a studio analyst, he shaped national coverage during pivotal playoff runs.
Remembering Cheech’s enduring legacy
John Garrett’s passing leaves a void in Canadian hockey broadcasting. Yet his contributions—from gritty goalie saves to iconic calls—will echo for years.
As the playoffs continue without him, teams like the Canucks and networks like Sportsnet face the challenge of filling his shoes. Garrett’s legacy reminds us of hockey’s power to connect through passion and personality.
Fans can honor him by revisiting classic broadcasts or sharing their favorite “Cheech” moments. The game marches on, but voices like his are irreplaceable.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.