In an unfortunate announcement, Sportsnet shared that John Garrett, 74, has passed away. Garrett enjoyed a six-year career in the NHL as a netminder, though most will know him as a color commentator with Sportsnet Pacific.
His professional career began in 1971, when he was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the NHL Draft. Instead of making his way through the Blues’ affiliates to NHL playing time, Garrett signed with the WHA’s Minnesota Fighting Saints ahead of the 1973-74 season. He spent two and a half years with Minnesota, managing a 77-63-6 record in 150 games with a 3.38 GAA. Unfortunately, the franchise folded toward the end of the 1975-76 season, and Garrett finished the season with the Toronto Toros.
The Toros didn’t stay much longer. Garrett remained with the organization even after they relocated to Birmingham despite the team having several difficult seasons. In an act of mercy, Birmingham traded Garrett to the New England Whalers and remained with the team through the 1979 WHA/NHL merger.
Finally, in the NHL, nearly a decade after being drafted by the Blues, Garrett hopped around a few times, playing for the Whalers, Quebec City Nordiques, and Vancouver Canucks. Throughout his six-year NHL career, Garrett earned a 68-91-37 record in 207 games with a .866 SV% and 4.28 GAA. Although he didn’t receive credit for years, largely because the NHL didn’t track netminder assists for many decades, Garrett was given an assist to Gordie Howe‘s last goal in his illustrious career.
Garrett retired after the 1984-85 season and was immediately offered the role of Assistant General Manager with the Canucks. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen management changes, the offer was withdrawn relatively quickly. Needing to pivot, Garrett began his broadcasting career with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.
During that time, he covered many games for the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames before joining Sportsnet in 1998. Beginning in the 2002-03 season, Garrett became the lead commentator for the Canucks organization, a role he held until his retirement in 2023.
We at PHR offer our condolences to the teammates, colleagues, organizations, and fans who have grown close to Garrett throughout his playing and broadcasting career.
Ahhh man…rest in peace John Garrett. He was one of my favourite commentators growing up. I was even just thinking about him the other day, wondering whatever happened to him.
One of the best ever.
Cheech was a masterful storyteller. Barely a few weeks after the Canucks picked him up to caddy King Richard, Garrett got the start of his life. Brodeur was chosen to play in the all-star game but was injured a few days earlier. Garrett was tasked to represent both Brodeur & the Canucks. As I recall & how he told it, his half of the game saw one fabulous save after another, to the point when teammate Lanny MacDonald told him “you’re a shoe-in for the MVP free car”. Then Wayne Gretzky scored. Lanny skated by & said “there goes the steering wheel”, and after another Gretzky goal, the tires. He kept it up until near the end “oops, he took the glove compartment box too!” I think Gretzky had 4 goals that night, but Garrett the best story. RIP John
Garrett had such a great personality and it was perfect for his job. He was a good one and it’s somber news to hear of his passing.