It is a sad day in Canucks land. It was announced, with heavy hearts, on Tuesday, that goaltender and longtime broadcaster John Garrett had passed away. He was a regular on Canucks broadcasts since the 2002-03 season, until his retirement from regional broadcasts in 2023. He touched the lives of many fans and was the voice of my childhood, alongside John Shorthouse and Dan Murphy.
Credit Image: © Andy Martin Jr./ZUMAPRESS.com
Legendary Canucks Broadcaster John Garrett Passes Away
“Canucks Sports & Entertainment is heartbroken by the sudden passing of John Garrett, a cherished member of our family whose loss is deeply felt across our entire organization and community,” said the Canucks in a press release.
Canucks Sports & Entertainment is heartbroken by the sudden passing of John Garrett, a cherished member of our family whose loss is deeply felt across our entire organization and community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved… pic.twitter.com/YI1kZT6EC1
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 28, 2026
“He brought an unmistakable energy, humour, and authenticity to every broadcast, and had a way of making people feel connected to our team and to each other. He will be deeply missed, not only for what he did, but for who he was,” said Michael Doyle, President of Business Operations.
“Following a 13-season career as a goaltender in the WHA and the NHL, Garrett moved into the broadcast booth in 1986 and never left, contributing his encyclopedic knowledge and expert insight to national broadcasts on Sportsnet and local broadcasts for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and, for two decades, the Vancouver Canucks,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
John Garrett was a Canuck through and through. He played for the Vancouver Canucks for three seasons and was a Canucks broadcaster for over two decades. He was dedicated to giving Canucks fans the best broadcasts possible, with his humour, storytelling, and analysis. Furthermore, his chemistry with his partner in the booth, John Shorthouse, was second to none. My favourite moment from them was when Garrett jinxed Roberto Luongo’s shutout by mentioning the word “shutout” late in a game.
One of my favourite memories of John Garrett was when he jinxed Luongo's shutout.
Canucks play by play and color commentary were peak during the John & John years. pic.twitter.com/PRyzZkjudG
— w (@CanucksHouse) April 28, 2026
Garrett was also known as “Cheech” because of his resemblance to comedian Cheech Marin. He picked up this nickname from teammate Rick Smith in the mid 1970s, because of his afro haircut and mustache. That nickname would stick with him throughout his playing and broadcasting careers.
The team at Last Word On Hockey gives our sincere condolences to Garrett’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Cheech.
Credit Image: © Sergei Bachlakov/ZUMAPRESS.com
