Hockey broadcaster John Garrett has died suddenly at age 74.
A longtime Surrey resident, “Cheech” worked as a colour analyst for Vancouver Canucks games, and was once a goaltender for the NHL team.
He was “a cherished member of our family whose loss is deeply felt across our entire organization and community,” Canucks Sports & Entertainment stated Tuesday morning, April 28.
Garrett worked for Sportsnet until his passing, and was one of the most familiar voices in Canadian hockey.
“‘Cheech’ was a legend. His warmth, humour, and genuine love for the game endeared him to fans and colleagues alike. He brought insight, authenticity, and heart to every broadcast,” said a Sportsnet post on Facebook.
“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.”
John Murdoch Garrett, who lived in the Boundary Park area of Surrey, was born June 17, 1951, in Trenton, Ont. He played in the World Hockey Association from 1973 to 1979, according to a Wikipedia entry, then in the National Hockey League from 1979 to 1985.
A 38th overall pick in 1971, he played for Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks, finishing with 207 NHL games and a 1983 All-Star Game appearance. Notably, John Garrett was given the second assist on Gordie Howe’s final NHL goal.