Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes (x.com/PetesOHLHockey)
John Garrett, Trenton-native and the longtime colour commentator for Vancouver Canucks, has died suddenly at the age of 74.
Sportsnet announced his death Tuesday, calling Garrett “a beloved colleague, friend, and one of the most familiar voices in Canadian hockey.”
Born in Trenton, Garrett played two seasons with the Peterborough Petes from 1969-71. The organization put out a statement on social media: “The Peterborough Petes are saddened to learn about the passing of alumnus John Garrett. Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
The man known to fans as ‘Cheech’, then went on to 13 seasons of professional hockey from 1971 to 1985 in the WHA and NHL. His playing career included stops with the Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers.
Garrett spent more than two decades behind the microphone on Canucks regional broadcasts and also appeared regularly on national NHL coverage. He began his broadcasting career in 1986 with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada before later joining Sportsnet.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league was “stunned and saddened” by Garrett’s sudden passing, praising his decades of analysis that helped bring fans closer to the game.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
