"We want to thank John for two decades worth of entertaining and engaging with Canucks fans on regional TV," said Jim Rutherford, Vancouver Canucks President, Hockey Operations. "Cheech has been a great ambassador for the hockey club, whether it was in goal as a player or in the broadcast booth as an announcer. His smart wit, sense of humour and an innate ability to break down the ins and outs of the game so effortlessly has made him a huge fan favourite. We wish him nothing but the best in the future."
John Garrett, who has for decades been affectionately known in Vancouver and throughout the hockey world as "Cheech" for his past resemblance to Cheech & Chong's Cheech Marin, has been a member of the Canucks family since 1983. Initially acquired by Vancouver from the Quebec Nordiques in a mid-season trade on February 4, 1983, the former netminder would spend three seasons with the Canucks, posting a 22-21-5 record in 56 games with the club. Four days after his trade to the Canucks, he would represent the club at the 1983 NHL All-Star Game in place of an injured Richard Brodeur.
After concluding his NHL career with Vancouver in 1985, Garrett began his broadcasting career in 1986.87 as a colour commentator on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada. After stints as the lead colour commentator on Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames telecasts, he joined Sportsnet Pacific in 2002.03 to join the Vancouver Canucks broadcast team alongside play-by-play commentator Jim Hughson. Since 2008.09, Garrett has called the majority of Canucks games with current play-by-play broadcaster John Shorthouse.
Garrett has a larger than life, grandiose personality that has endeared himself to hockey fans for decades. Appreciated for his knowledge and loved for his passion of the game and Vancouver Canucks, John Garrett has become almost equally known for his quick quips, frequent food references, and love of ketchup over the years.
Garrett's final Canucks broadcast will be Thursday, April 13 when the Canucks conclude the 2022.23 regular season at the Arizona Coyotes.
