Legendary NHL broadcaster John Garrett passes away suddenly at 74

Longtime NHL color commentator John Garrett has passed away at 74 years of age.

Sportsnet made the announcement this morning that Garrett passed away suddenly yesterday.

Garrett, a former journeyman NHL and WHA goaltender made his home in Vancouver, his last stop in the NHL and went into broadcasting when he retired from pro hockey in 1986. He immediately jumped into the booth, making 2026 his 40th season behind the microphone.

Most fans will remember him as the long-time color commentator of the Vancouver Canucks and as the side-kick to first Jim Hughson and then John Shorthouse. He had been working in a part-time role since 2023 after taking a semi-retirement.

Take a moment to watch Garrett's sign-off from his regional Sportsnet Pacific duties back in 2023:

Rest easy, Cheech. You were one of the best to ever do it.