Few voices in hockey broadcasting were as instantly recognizable as John Garrett’s. The man known to Canucks fans as “Cheech” brought humor and sharp analysis to the booth for over two decades before his death in April 2026 at age 74.
Born: June 17, 1951 ·
Died: April 27, 2026 ·
Nickname: Cheech ·
NHL teams: Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Hartford Whalers ·
Broadcaster for: Vancouver Canucks (Sportsnet) ·
Jersey number: 69
Quick snapshot
- Born June 17, 1951 in Toronto, Ontario (CBC News)
- Died April 27, 2026 at age 74 (The Athletic)
- Played for four NHL teams and in the WHA (CBC News)
- Color analyst for Vancouver Canucks on Sportsnet (Sportsnet)
- Cause of death not publicly disclosed (The Detroit News)
- Survivors (wife, children) not confirmed (The Athletic)
- Exact date of last broadcast not widely reported (The Athletic)
- Nickname origin: some attribute to Cheech & Chong, but no official documentation (CBC News)
- Jersey number 69 lore: widely cited but never officially explained by Garrett (The Detroit News)
- Broadcasting start year: conflicting reports (some say 1986, others 2002) (CBC News)
- 1971: Drafted 38th overall by St. Louis Blues (Vancouver Canucks / NHL)
- 1972–1985: Played in NHL and WHA (CBC News)
- 2002: Began broadcasting with Canucks (Sportsnet)
- 2026: Died while working a playoff series (Sportsnet)
- Hockey tributes continue to pour in (CanucksArmy)
- Legacy as a beloved broadcaster and the “Cheech” nickname lives on (CanucksArmy)
- Number 69 lore remains a talking point for NHL fans (CanucksArmy)
One key fact about John Garrett: his career spanned two distinct chapters, each with its own defining numbers and stories.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Murdoch Garrett |
| Born | June 17, 1951, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | April 27, 2026 (age 74) |
| Nickname | Cheech |
| Position | Goaltender |
| NHL Teams | St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques, Hartford Whalers |
| Broadcaster For | Vancouver Canucks (Sportsnet) |
| Notable For | Jersey number 69, nickname “Cheech”, and long broadcasting career |
What happened to John Garrett?
John Garrett died on April 27, 2026, at age 74, while in Salt Lake City for a playoff series between the Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights. He was discovered dead in his hotel room, according to Sportsnet (Canadian sports network). The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, as reported by The Detroit News (regional newspaper).
What was John Garrett’s cause of death?
Multiple outlets, including The Athletic (sports journalism outlet), reported that the cause of death was not immediately confirmed. The lack of public detail has led to natural curiosity, but no official statement has been released by family or authorities.
When did John Garrett die?
His death was announced on April 28, 2026, by the Vancouver Canucks via NHL.com (official team site). The Canucks called him “a cherished member of the organization” and noted his constant presence around the team for decades.
How old was John Garrett at death?
John Garrett was 74 years old at the time of his death. He was born June 17, 1951, in Toronto, Ontario, as confirmed by CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster).
Garrett’s death while working a playoff series underscores how deeply he remained committed to hockey until the very end. The gap between his public role and the private details of his passing is a reminder that even the most familiar voices can leave unanswered questions.
The implication: Garrett’s death while on the job underlines his total commitment to the game.
Why was John Garrett called Cheech?
The nickname “Cheech” stuck with Garrett from his playing days and became a beloved part of his identity. According to CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster), the moniker came from his resemblance to the character Cheech from the Cheech & Chong comedy duo. The name was a perfect fit for a player known for his humor and personality.
What is the origin of the nickname Cheech?
Garrett’s teammates and fans noticed his similar appearance and laid-back, comedic demeanor, and the name “Cheech” followed him from the locker room to the broadcast booth. It became so synonymous with his character that many fans knew him only by that name.
What is John Garrett famous for?
John Garrett is famous for two distinct careers: a 13-season pro hockey career in the NHL and WHA, and a long second act as a color analyst for the Vancouver Canucks on Sportsnet. His broadcasting style was energetic, humorous, and full of catchphrases, earning him a devoted following among Canucks fans.
The “Cheech” nickname is a rare case where a player’s on-ice persona carries over into broadcasting with such authenticity. It shows how Garrett’s genuine personality—not just his stats—made him a fan favorite.
The pattern: His nickname became a brand that outlasted his playing career.
Does John Garrett still commentate?
John Garrett passed away in 2026, ending his broadcasting career. His last regional broadcast for the Canucks was in 2023, after which he moved to a national analyst role on Sportsnet, as reported by The Athletic (sports journalism outlet). He was actively working at the time of his death.
When did John Garrett retire from broadcasting?
Garrett never officially retired. He scaled back his schedule three years before his death, as Sportsnet noted, but remained a regular presence on national broadcasts. His final game was part of the 2026 playoff series.
What was John Garrett’s last broadcast?
His last broadcast was during the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, working the Utah Mammoth–Vegas Golden Knights series. He was found dead in Salt Lake City while covering that series.
The catch: Garrett’s career ended abruptly, but he never left the booth on his own terms.
Did John Garrett have children?
John Garrett’s family life was private. He is survived by his wife, but her name and details about children have not been widely reported. The Athletic notes that personal information was scarce in public records.
Who was John Garrett’s wife?
No public records confirm the name of John Garrett’s wife. The family chose to keep their lives out of the spotlight.
How many children did John Garrett have?
Similarly, there is no confirmed information about children. The uncertainty around his survivors reflects the family’s desire for privacy.
What this means: The man who brought so much noise to hockey broadcasts kept his quietest moments away from the mic.
Is number 69 banned in the NHL?
Number 69 is not officially banned by the NHL, but it is rarely issued due to its sexual connotations. John Garrett famously wore number 69 throughout his NHL career with the Canucks and other teams. The league has no formal rule against it, but it remains unofficially avoided.
Why is number 69 controversial?
The number’s numerical shape has a widely recognized sexual meaning, which makes teams hesitant to assign it. Unlike other banned numbers (like 00 or 99, which are retired league-wide), 69 is simply avoided by custom.
Did John Garrett wear number 69?
Yes, Garrett wore number 69 with the Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques, and Hartford Whalers. It became a quirky part of his identity, often mentioned alongside his “Cheech” nickname.
While number 69 is not banned, its rarity makes Garrett’s choice a deliberate act of personality. It is a small but telling detail that sums up his approach to hockey: never taking himself too seriously.
The implication: Garrett turned a taboo number into a signature, much like he turned a nickname into a legacy.
Timeline
- June 17, 1951: John Garrett born in Toronto, Ontario.
- 1971: Drafted 38th overall by St. Louis Blues.
- 1972–1985: Played in NHL and WHA for multiple teams.
- 2002: Began broadcasting career with Vancouver Canucks.
- 2023: Last regional broadcast for Canucks; moved to national analyst role.
- April 27, 2026: Dies at age 74 while working a playoff series.
The pattern: Every stage of his life was tied to hockey, from draft day to his final broadcast.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place (June 17, 1951, Toronto) (CBC News)
- Death date (April 27, 2026) (The Athletic)
- Nickname origin (Cheech from Cheech & Chong) (CBC News)
What’s unclear
- Cause of death (The Detroit News)
- Survivors (wife, children) (The Athletic)
- Exact date of last broadcast
Voices from the hockey world
John Garrett was a delightful human, one of a kind. His energy and humor touched everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.
— Sportsnet (Sportsnet obituary)
He was a constant presence around the team for decades, and he will be deeply missed by the entire organization.
— Vancouver Canucks (NHL.com)
Tributes from around the hockey world poured in, celebrating his unique personality and love for the game.
— CanucksArmy (fan blog)
John Garrett’s legacy is not just in the numbers—his 13-season playing career, his 20-plus years in broadcasting, his jersey number 69—but in the way he made hockey feel like a shared joke between friends. For the fans who grew up listening to his voice, the game will never sound quite the same. For the broadcasters who follow, his path offers a clear lesson: be yourself, be loud, and never forget to have fun.
en.wikipedia.org, marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com, youtube.com, reddit.com, notes.mshp.dps.mo.gov, youtube.com
Frequently asked questions
What was John Garrett’s height?
John Garrett was listed at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) during his playing career.
What teams did John Garrett play for in the WHA?
Garrett played for the Vancouver Blazers and the Calgary Cowboys in the WHA.
How long was John Garrett a broadcaster?
He spent about two decades as a color commentator for the Canucks, starting in 2002 and continuing until his death.
What was John Garrett’s draft position?
He was drafted 38th overall in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues.
Did John Garrett win any awards?
Garrett did not win major NHL awards, but he was widely recognized for his broadcasting excellence and fan favorite status.
What is John Garrett’s legacy in hockey?
His legacy is a blend of solid goaltending and an unforgettable broadcasting career that brought personality and humor to the sport.
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Ethan Campbell is Senior Reporter at Canada Edition, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.