John Garrett was the kind of voice that made you feel like you were watching the game with a friend. For more than two decades, his colourful commentary and signature catchphrases defined Vancouver Canucks hockey for a generation of fans.
Born: June 17, 1951 · Died: April 27, 2026 · Age at death: 74 · NHL games played: 207 · NHL wins: 68 · Nickname: Cheech
Quick snapshot
- Died April 27, 2026 at age 74 (CBC Sports (Canadian public broadcaster))
- Played 207 NHL games, 68 wins (Wikipedia (community-maintained encyclopedia))
- Broadcaster for Vancouver Canucks on Sportsnet for 20+ years (CBC Sports)
- No cause of death publicly disclosed (CBC Sports)
- Exact location of death not officially confirmed (Wikipedia)
- Number of children and spouse details not widely reported (CityNews Vancouver (regional news outlet))
- Born June 17, 1951 in Trenton, Ontario (Wikipedia)
- NHL career 1979–1985 (Wikipedia)
- Retired from full-time Canucks broadcasting after 2022–23 season (CityNews Vancouver)
- Family has requested privacy; no further statements expected soon (CBC Sports)
- Tributes from NHL, Canucks, and broadcast colleagues continue (Vancouver Canucks (official team statement))
Nine key stats, one pattern: John Garrett’s career spanned two distinct but equally influential roles — between the pipes and behind the microphone.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Murdoch Garrett |
| Born | June 17, 1951 |
| Died | April 27, 2026 |
| Position | Goaltender |
| NHL Teams | Kansas City Scouts, Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Black Hawks |
| NHL Games | 207 |
| NHL Wins | 68 |
| Broadcasting | Vancouver Canucks on Sportsnet (1990s–2026) |
| Nickname | Cheech |
The pattern: a goaltender who became a voice as recognizable as any save he made.
Where did John Garrett pass away?
The Vancouver Canucks organization described itself as “heartbroken” by the sudden passing of John Garrett. CBC Sports confirmed he died on April 27, 2026, at age 74, but noted that no specific location was given in the initial announcement from Sportsnet. According to Wikipedia (community-maintained encyclopedia), citing early news reports, Garrett was found dead in a hotel room in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he had been assigned to cover a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series between the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights for Sportsnet.
What was John Garrett’s cause of death?
As of late April 2026, no official cause of death has been released. CBC Sports explicitly stated that Sportsnet announced his death as sudden and that no cause was provided. The Vancouver Canucks’ official statement echoed this language, referring only to a “sudden passing.” Responsible outlets have avoided speculation, focusing instead on Garrett’s career and legacy. Bottom line: John Garrett’s cause of death remains undisclosed by family, team, or league sources. For fans seeking details, the only verifiable information is that his death was sudden and unexpected.
When did John Garrett die?
John Garrett died on April 27, 2026. The date is confirmed by multiple sources including CBC Sports and Wikipedia. He was 74 years old.
The absence of a disclosed cause of death places John Garrett’s case in a small group of high-profile NHL deaths where privacy was prioritized over public explanation. For media consumers, this underscores the ethical line between public curiosity and family privacy.
Has John Garrett retired?
John Garrett retired from professional hockey in 1985 after a seven-season NHL career that followed six seasons in the World Hockey Association. He then transitioned into broadcasting, eventually becoming the colour analyst for Vancouver Canucks regional broadcasts on Sportsnet — a role he held for more than two decades according to CBC Sports. In 2023, he stepped back from full-time Canucks commentary after the 2022–23 season, though he continued to work selected national and playoff broadcasts for Sportsnet, as reported by CityNews Vancouver (regional news outlet).
When did John Garrett retire from the NHL?
Garrett played his final NHL game in 1985. Wikipedia lists his NHL career span as 1979–1985. His WHA career ran from 1973 to 1979.
Did John Garrett retire from broadcasting?
He never formally retired from broadcasting. At the time of his death, he was actively working for Sportsnet, covering the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. His reduced schedule after 2023 was described by CityNews Vancouver as stepping back from the full-time role, not a full retirement.
While many assumed Garrett had fully retired, his death reveals he was still actively involved — working a playoff series in Salt Lake City. This suggests his connection to hockey remained close to the end.
Did John Garrett have children?
The CityNews Vancouver segment on Garrett’s passing reported that he is survived by his wife Sharon and daughters Sarah and Krista. Other details about his family — such as the number of children beyond those named or the length of his marriage — have not been widely covered by major outlets.
How many children did John Garrett have?
Based on the CityNews report, he had at least two daughters. The exact number is not publicly confirmed beyond Sarah and Krista.
Who is John Garrett’s wife?
CityNews Vancouver identified his wife as Sharon Garrett. No further biographical details about her have been published by Tier 1 or Tier 2 sources.
The limited disclosure about Garrett’s family underscores the intentional privacy his survivors have maintained, a decision that media outlets have largely respected.
What is John Garrett famous for?
John Garrett is famous for two overlapping careers: as a goaltender in the NHL and WHA, and as a beloved colour commentator for the Vancouver Canucks. CBC Sports described him as a fan favourite whose humour, food-related running gags, and catchphrase “Oh baby!” made him a cultural fixture in Vancouver hockey. His broadcast partnership with play-by-play announcer John Shorthouse spanned many years and became the soundtrack of Canucks hockey for a generation.
What was John Garrett’s NHL career like?
Garrett played 207 NHL games with four teams: the Kansas City Scouts, Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques, and Chicago Black Hawks. He compiled a record of 68–82–33 with a 3.89 goals-against average, according to Wikipedia. He also played six WHA seasons before the merger, further rounding out his pro career.
What was John Garrett’s broadcasting career like?
After hanging up his pads, Garrett found his second act in the broadcast booth. CBC Sports highlighted his more than two decades as the Canucks’ regional colour commentator on Sportsnet. CityNews Vancouver called him “an integral part of Canucks culture on the West Coast.”
- Colour analyst for Vancouver Canucks on Sportsnet — 20+ years
- Known for catchphrase “Oh baby!” and humorous on-air personality
- Worked alongside play-by-play announcer John Shorthouse
- Also contributed to national NHL coverage on Sportsnet
Why was John Garrett called Cheech?
John Garrett earned the nickname “Cheech” because of his resemblance to the character Cheech from the Cheech and Chong comedy duo. Wikipedia notes the nickname stuck throughout his playing and broadcasting career, and he embraced it on air.
What is the origin of the nickname Cheech?
The nickname originated from teammates who noted his physical similarity to Cheech Marin’s character. It became a defining part of his public persona.
Did John Garrett embrace the nickname?
Yes. Garrett regularly used “Cheech” on broadcasts and his colleagues referred to him by that name. CBC Sports noted his humour and self-deprecating style made the nickname a natural fit.
Timeline of John Garrett’s life and career
- June 17, 1951 — Born in Trenton, Ontario, Canada (Wikipedia)
- 1973–1979 — Plays professional hockey in the World Hockey Association (Wikipedia)
- 1975–1976 — NHL debut with Kansas City Scouts (Wikipedia)
- 1978–1985 — Plays for Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques, and Chicago Black Hawks (Wikipedia)
- 1985 — Retires from professional hockey (Wikipedia)
- 1990s — Begins broadcasting career with Vancouver Canucks regional broadcasts (CBC Sports)
- 2022–23 season — Steps back from full-time Canucks commentary role (CityNews Vancouver)
- April 27, 2026 — Passes away suddenly at age 74 while working playoffs in Salt Lake City (CBC Sports)
The timeline shows a steady arc from player to broadcaster to cultural icon. The abrupt end mid-playoff assignment highlights how suddenly the hockey world lost one of its most recognizable voices.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Birth and death dates (June 17, 1951 – April 27, 2026)
- NHL playing record and teams played for
- Nickname “Cheech” and its origin
- Long tenure as Canucks broadcaster on Sportsnet
- Death described as sudden by Sportsnet and Canucks
- Survived by wife Sharon and daughters Sarah and Krista
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of death (not publicly disclosed)
- Location of death (hotel in Salt Lake City reported, not officially confirmed)
- Number of children (at least two named, not exhaustive)
- Spouse’s full biographical details
- Whether any health conditions existed prior to death
“The Canucks organization is heartbroken by the sudden passing of John Garrett. He was a beloved figure to fans and colleagues alike, and his contributions as a player and broadcaster will never be forgotten.”
“John Garrett was a fixture of Canucks hockey for so many years. His humour and love for the game came through every broadcast.”
— CBC Sports obituary tribute
“He became an integral part of Canucks culture on the West Coast through his two-decade tenure in the broadcast booth.”
— CityNews Vancouver segment on Garrett’s passing
John Garrett’s death left a void in the Vancouver sports community. For the fans who grew up with his voice, the silence in the broadcast booth is a reminder of how much one person can shape a city’s connection to the game.
Related reading: **NHL Star** · **sports commentator’s death and biography**
Fans mourning the loss of the beloved broadcaster can read more about John Garretts nickname and career in a detailed tribute.
Frequently asked questions
What teams did John Garrett play for?
He played for the Kansas City Scouts, Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques, and Chicago Black Hawks in the NHL, as well as several WHA teams.
When did John Garrett retire from hockey?
He retired from professional hockey in 1985 after his NHL career ended.
How many NHL games did John Garrett win?
He recorded 68 wins in 207 NHL games with a 3.89 goals-against average.
What was John Garrett’s broadcasting style?
He was known for his humour, catchphrases like “Oh baby!”, food-related running gags, and an engaging, conversational style that made viewers feel like they were watching with a friend.
Who was John Garrett’s broadcast partner?
He worked for many years alongside play-by-play announcer John Shorthouse on Vancouver Canucks regional broadcasts.
Was John Garrett ever inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
No, John Garrett was not inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player or broadcaster.
What is John Garrett’s legacy in Vancouver?
His legacy is that of a beloved broadcaster whose personality and love for the game made him a cultural icon in Vancouver, bridging the gap between player and fan for more than two decades.
