John Garrett

John Garrett (1951–2026) was a Canadian goaltender whose 12-year professional career spanned the WHA and NHL before he became one of the sport's most beloved broadcasters. Drafted 38th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 1971, he made his pro debut with the WHA's Minnesota Fighting Saints in 1973 and went on to suit up for the Toronto Toros, Birmingham Bulls, and New England Whalers in the WHA, then the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Vancouver Canucks in the NHL through 1985.

Nicknamed "Cheech" — and later, ruefully, "Lotto" — Garrett's second act made him a household name in Canada. He joined Hockey Night in Canada in 1986 and Sportsnet in 1998, becoming the trusted color commentator alongside John Shorthouse on Vancouver Canucks broadcasts for over two decades. Generations of Canucks fans grew up listening to him explain the position with a goalie's eye and a storyteller's wit.

John passed away suddenly on April 27, 2026, at age 74, while in Salt Lake City covering the NHL playoffs. He is remembered across the goaltending community as one of its most generous voices.