Canadian hockey lost one of its most distinctive voices on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. John Garrett, former NHL goaltender and longtime Sportsnet colour commentator, died suddenly at 74.
Born in Trenton, Ont., Garrett played professionally from 1971 to 1985, appearing in 207 NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers, plus 323 WHA games with the Minnesota Fighting Stars, Toronto Toros, Birmingham Bulls and New England Whalers. He represented Vancouver at the 1983 NHL All-Star Game, earning serious MVP consideration before Wayne Gretzky scored four times in the final 10 minutes.
His broadcasting career launched in 1986 with Hockey Night in Canada, and the booth became his second home. He joined the original Sportsnet team in 1998, covering Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames games before taking over as the primary Canucks colour commentator in 2002. For over two decades, he worked alongside Jim Hughson and John Shorthouse, with Dan Murphy hosting, forming one of the most trusted booths in Canadian regional hockey.
“Cheech was a legend,” Sportsnet said in a statement. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praised his “encyclopedic knowledge,” noting their last encounter came just days earlier in Utah, for the Mammoth’s first ever home playoff game. The Canucks organization called the loss devastating. “He brought an unmistakable energy, humour, and authenticity to every broadcast,” said Michael Doyle, President of Business Operations for Canucks Sports & Entertainment. Jim Rutherford added simply: “He loved this team and took great pride in sharing the game with our fans.”
Garrett’s warmth and humour were genuine, on air and off. Colleagues remembered him as a mentor. Fans knew him as a fixture. For 40 years, he gave Canadian hockey broadcasting real personality, real insight, and real heart. He was 74. Forever a Canuck.