BURSTBeloved hockey analyst John “Cheech” Garrett was remembered and celebrated during the Vancouver Canucks game Tuesday night, Oct. 20, vs. Carolina Hurricanes.
Garrett, who lived in the Boundary Park area of Surrey, stopped pucks for the Canucks and other teams during his NHL days, 1979 to 1985, before moving to the broadcast booth at Rogers Arena.
Last April Garrett died suddenly, saddening fans who fondly remember his hockey knowledge, sense of humour, warm personality and love of ketchup-covered food. He was 74.
“Forever a Canuck,” Garrett’s career highlights were shown on the jumbotron pre-game, before anthems were sung.
“John Garrett greeted every day with an optimistic smile, always had time for an autograph, a selfie, and a story to share with his thousands of fans and friends across the hockey world,” said Al Murdoch, in-arena voice of the Canucks.
Nice tribute to John “Cheech” Garrett at the #Canucks game last night. Fans of the Surrey-based broadcaster fondly remember his hockey knowledge, sense of humour, warm personality and love of ketchup-covered food. STORY HERE: https://t.co/fePdxPVuIr via @SurreyNowLeader https://t.co/3eIihjCkhr
— Tom Zillich (@TomZillich) October 21, 2026
Earlier, Canucks players and coaches wore fun memorial T-shirts designed with a drawing of Garrett’s famous moustache and headset on the front. “Cheech” was also subject of trivia during the game, won 6-3 by the defending Stanley Cup champs, previously Hartford Whalers, with whom Garrett played goal in the early 1980s.
Garrett, among the most familiar voices in Canadian hockey, worked for Sportsnet until his passing.
Born June 17, 1951, in Trenton, Ont., John Murdoch Garrett played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1973 to 1979, then in the NHL. A 38th overall pick in 1971, he played 207 NHL games and the 1983 All-Star Game. Notably, John Garrett was given the second assist on Gordie Howe’s final NHL goal.