Overview
- Sportsnet announced Tuesday that John Garrett died suddenly at 74 while working national coverage of the Vegas Golden Knights–Utah Mammoth playoff series in Salt Lake City.
- The NHL issued condolences, with Commissioner Gary Bettman noting he last saw Garrett on Friday in Utah calling the Mammoth’s first home playoff game.
- No cause of death has been released by Sportsnet or authorities.
- Garrett played 12 pro seasons across the WHA and NHL, appeared in 207 NHL games, then began broadcasting in 1986, joined Sportsnet in 1998, and served more than two decades as the Canucks’ colour commentator with John Shorthouse and Dan Murphy.
- Tributes from colleagues, former players, and public figures praised “Cheech” for his warmth, quick wit, and connection with viewers, reflecting the deep imprint he left on Western Canada’s hockey culture.