Beloved colour man John Garrett is retiring from Canucks broadcasts

The Vancouver Canucks beat the San Jose Sharks 7-2 on Thursday night, but for those watching the game on Sportsnet, the win was overshadowed by some major news.

At the start of the third period, John Garrett announced that this would be his final season on the Canucks broadcast.

Thank you for everything, John Garrett 💙💚@SNJohnGarrett | @Canucks pic.twitter.com/cxyZHrNqqd

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 24, 2023

“Since 2002, I’ve had the privilege and honour to be the colour analyst on the regional Sportsnet Canucks broadcast,” said Garrett. “This season will be my final time filling that role, even though I will appear on some other Sportsnet properties."

Garrett, affectionately known as “Cheech” for his past resemblance to Cheech & Chong’s Cheech Marin, has been a part of Canucks broadcasts on Sportsnet since the 2002-03 season.

He’s formed a formidable duo with John Shorthouse, John and John, which has long been considered one of the best broadcast teams in hockey.

Prior to his broadcast career starting in 1986, Garrett was also a part of the Canucks organization as a player, playing 56 games with the club as a goalie between 1983-85.

"Cheech has been a great ambassador for the hockey club, whether it was in goal as a player or in the broadcast booth as an announcer,” said team president Jim Rutherford.

“His smart wit, sense of humour and an innate ability to break down the ins and outs of the game so effortlessly has made him a huge fan favourite.”

A fan favourite puts it lightly, as Garrett was beloved by Canucks fans for his larger-than-life, grandiose personality, along with his knowledge and passion for the game.

Over the years, he became known and loved for his quick quips, frequent food references, love of ketchup and a world-class chemistry with Shorthouse in the booth.

Garrett’s final Canucks broadcast will be the team’s season finale on April 13 against the Arizona Coyotes.