The Vancouver Canucks will honour former goaltender and colour commentator John Garrett during their home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 20, 2026.
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The Vancouver Canucks will honour former goaltender and colour commentator John Garrett during their matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
Garrett, who fans, media and the team refer to as “Cheech,” spent his NHL career with the Canucks, Hartford Whalers (now the Hurricanes) and Québec Nordiques (now the Colorado Avalanche). After retiring from playing, he moved into broadcasting and joined the Canucks’ broadcasting crew in 2002, serving until he reduced his workload after the 2022–23 season.
Ahead of the game, the Canucks said Garrett will be recognized with videos and presentations shown throughout the night, along with tributes that include some of his favourite foods in the press box, “lots of ketchup included.” Vancouver players will also wear John Garrett-inspired shirts before the game.
Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra spoke about the meaning of the tribute, saying Garrett was “kind of the voice of Canucks hockey,” adding that the coach associates Garrett’s calls and “overall energy around the room” with the team.
Malhotra also described Garrett as someone who “enjoyed talking hockey and understanding the nuances of it,” saying Garrett had “inside information” through being “in the room” and asking the questions he wanted to ask. The Canucks said puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT.
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