Former NHLer, long-time broadcaster John Garrett passes away at 74

John Garrett, a retired goaltender who went on to become one of the game’s great color commentators for parts of five decades, has died. He was 74.

Sportsnet shared the news of Garrett’s passing in a social media post 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,” the statement read.

Garrett, known as “Cheech” to colleagues and friends, was covering the Vegas Golden Knights–Utah Mammoth series at the time of his death.

“‘Cheech’ was a legend. His warmth, humour, and geniune love for the game endeared him to fans and colleagues alike. He brought insight, authenticity, and heart to every broadcast,” Sportsnet added in its statement. “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.”

Garrett, born in Trenton, Ont. on June 17, 1951, played 12 seasons of professional hockey between the NHL and the World Hockey Alliance (WHA).

In six NHL seasons between 1979-80 and 1984-85, he posted a 68-91-37 record with an .866 save percentage (SV%) and 4.28 goals against average (GAA) in 207 career regular-season games with the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks. He was named an NHL All-Star in 1982-83.

Before then, he spent six seasons in the WHA with the New England Whalers, Birmingham Bulls, Toronto Toros and Minnesota Fighting Saints. He posted a 148-151-15 record with a 3.52 GAA in 323 regular-season games.

After retiring in 1985, Garrett joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Hockey Night in Canada as a color commentator, where he worked for 12 seasons, covering western Canadian matchups with a focus on the Edmonton Oilers. He would join Sportsnet in 1998 and became known as the primary color commentator for Canucks games for more than two decades. His final season working full-time with the team was in 2023-24.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on Garrett’s passing, offering condolences to his family and friends.

“I always enjoyed catching up with John when our travels around the league intersected – as they did one last time on Friday night in Utah, when he broadcast the Mammoth’s first ever home playoff game,” he added.