- Sportsnet announced Garrett’s sudden passing Tuesday at age 74
- “Cheech” spent over two decades in the Canucks booth and was part of Sportsnet’s 1998 launch team
- Read below for tributes, his career arc, and video of his Canucks send-off
The hockey world lost one of its warmest voices Tuesday.
John Garrett, the longtime Sportsnet analyst and former NHL goalie known to a generation of fans as “Cheech,” passed away suddenly at the age of 74.
Sportsnet broke the news through a statement Tuesday morning.
“It is with profound sadness we share the news of the sudden passing of John Garrett, a beloved colleague, friend, and one of the most familiar voices in Canadian hockey.”
“Cheech was a legend. His warmth, humor and genuine love for the game endeared him to fans and colleagues alike. He brought insight, authenticity and heart to every broadcast. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable career, but for the kindness and joy he shared with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Sportsnet, in a statement on X
Garrett spent more than two decades calling Vancouver Canucks games alongside John Shorthouse and Dan Murphy. He stepped back from the regional booth in 2023-24 but stayed on the national rotation until the end. His final assignment came Friday night in Salt Lake City, where he worked the Mammoth’s first home playoff game in franchise history.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league was “stunned and saddened” by Garrett’s passing.
“Garrett’s astute analysis took fans, particularly in Western Canada, inside our game for the last four decades,” Bettman said. “We send our deepest condolences to his family, his friends around the game and his many fans.”
Before the booth, Garrett built a 13-year pro career between the WHA and the NHL. He suited up for the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Vancouver Canucks across 207 NHL games from 1979 to 1985. The Trenton, Ontario, native turned to the microphone in 1986, joining Hockey Night in Canada and later becoming part of Rogers Sportsnet’s original 1998 broadcast team.
Cheech had a way of making fans feel like they were sitting next to him on the couch. The nickname came from the Cheech and Chong comedy duo, and the easy humor stuck with him in every booth he ever worked.
Vancouver played a tribute video for Garrett during his final regional broadcast on April 8, 2023:
Tributes poured in from around the league Tuesday, from former teammates, broadcast partners, and fans who grew up listening to him.
Broadcast partner Dan Murphy on what made Cheech who he was:
Play-by-play colleague Chris Cuthbert paid tribute to his longtime friend:
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who proclaimed May 10 as ‘John Garrett Day’ three years ago, also weighed in:
We at Gino Hard send our condolences to Garrett’s family, friends, and colleagues at Sportsnet.
