Former Vancouver Canucks analyst John Garrett has died. He was 74.
Garrett is remembered for his sharp observations, folksy style, and self-deprecating humour, which made him a beloved figure in Canucks Nation. His chemistry with genuine friends John Shorthouse and Dan Murphy made Canucks broadcasts entertaining, no matter what the team did on the ice.
His broadcasting career began on Hockey Night in Canada in 1986, where he worked as a colour commentator for more than a decade before moving to Sportsnet.
Garrett was a mainstay on Vancouver Canucks broadcasts for two decades.
To the great upset of fans, he retired as an analyst at the end of the 2022-2023 regular season.
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
His distinctive look and resemblance to Cheech Marin earned him the long-lasting nickname ‘Cheech.’
“We want to thank John for two decades worth of entertaining and engaging with Canucks fans on regional TV,” said Vancouver Canucks President, Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford at the time of Garrett’s retirement.
“Cheech has been a great ambassador for the hockey club, whether it was in goal as a player or in the broadcast booth as an announcer. His smart wit, sense of humour and an innate ability to break down the ins and outs of the game so effortlessly has made him a huge fan favourite. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
As a player, he was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 1971. He spent several years playing for World Hockey Association (WHA) teams until he was traded to the New England Whalers (later the Hartford Whalers) during the team’s entry into the NHL.
He was initially acquired by Vancouver from the Quebec Nordiques in a mid-season trade on February 4, 1983. The former netminder then spent three seasons with the Canucks.
Appearing on Sportsnet 650’s Halford and Brough in the Morning, Shorthouse remembered his many years working with Garrett and his kindness in and out of the studio.
“He’s your best friend, and he’s talking to you through the TV. Man, what a loss,” said Shorthouse.
Shorthouse, a puzzle fan but not a newspaper subscriber, says Garrett made a regular habit of sending him the Sunday Sudoku every week.
“It went on ’til two days ago, when he sent me the Sunday Sudoku from Salt Lake [City],” said Shorthouse.
“He was the man, and I will miss him greatly.”
—With files from Iain MacIntyre, Sportsnet.