John Garrett: Cheech Nickname, Cause of Death, and Hockey Career

John Garrett, the voice behind the mustache and the nickname “Cheech,” was more than a broadcaster—he was a hockey institution. When news broke on April 28, 2026 that he had died at age 74, fans lost a character who had been part of the game for half a century; this article sorts the facts about his nickname, his career, and his death.

Born: June 17, 1951 ·
Died: April 27, 2026 ·
Nickname: Cheech ·
Career: WHA and NHL goaltender ·
Broadcaster: Vancouver Canucks (Sportsnet)

Here is a quick reference of John Garrett’s key biographical details.

Why was John Garrett called Cheech?

The story behind the nickname

Garrett earned the nickname “Cheech” early in his playing days. According to USA Today, the moniker came from a teammate who thought the goaltender resembled the actor Cheech Marin (of Cheech & Chong fame). The comparison stuck, and Garrett wore it with pride—signing autographs as “Cheech” and even incorporating the name into his broadcasting persona.

The nickname became so synonymous with him that many fans didn’t realize “John Garrett” was his legal name. On broadcasts, producers often featured the handlebar mustache and the Cheech persona as part of his charm.

John Garrett’s connection to Cheech Marin

There was no direct personal connection—Garrett never met Marin, as far as is known. The resemblance was purely visual, but it gave the goaltender a instantly recognizable brand long before social media made such things common. The nickname also helped him transition from ice to broadcast booth, where he could lean into the humor.

The pattern: a locker-room joke became a career asset.

What is John Garrett famous for?

NHL and WHA career

Garrett began his professional career in the old World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1972 to 1979, then moved to the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979 to 1985 (USA Today). He played for the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers among other teams. While not a superstar on the ice, he was a reliable backup who knew how to read shooters.

After retiring as a player, he didn’t leave the game—he just changed jerseys.

Broadcasting career with the Vancouver Canucks

Garrett joined Sportsnet’s Canucks broadcast team in the mid-1980s and became a fixture for nearly four decades. He served as a color analyst, often paired with play-by-play announcers. His style was unfiltered, occasionally irreverent, but always informed. According to a USA Today report, he was still working on the network’s telecast crew for a first-round playoff series when news of his death emerged.

Colleagues described him as “a delightful human.” The warmth came through every night.

Personality and iconic mustache

Garrett’s mustache was nearly as famous as his nickname. A thick, brushed handlebar style, it became his visual trademark. Fans would wear fake mustaches to games in his honor. On social media, a Reddit user recalled: He was a great natural commentator with a fantastic sense of humour. The mustache was part of the package—unforgettable, like the man himself.

Where was John Garrett living?

His home in Vancouver

Garrett made Vancouver his home for most of his adult life, residing in the city where he played and later broadcast. He was deeply embedded in the local hockey community—attending charity games, youth hockey events, and alumni functions. According to USA Today, his connection to Vancouver was a key part of his biography.

Life after hockey

Even after retiring from playing, Garrett never really left the rink. He remained active in the Canucks alumni network and was a regular presence at Rogers Arena. Unlike many former players who drift away from the game, Garrett stayed because he genuinely loved the people and the rhythm of hockey seasons.

The pattern: a career that started on the ice became a lifelong commitment to the sport.

Where did John Garrett pass away?

Place of death

While the exact location has not been officially confirmed, reports indicate he died in the Vancouver area. The USA Today obituary does not list a specific hospital or hospice, but it notes that his family was with him.

Surrounded by family

Family members released a brief statement confirming his passing but asked for privacy. No further details about the circumstances have been made public as of this writing. The lack of a formal cause of death has led to some online speculation, but the family has not addressed any rumors.

The implication: even in death, the broadcaster’s name requires careful disambiguation from other individuals with the same name.

What was John Garrett’s cause of death?

Details of his passing

As of the latest available information, no official cause of death has been announced. The USA Today report explicitly states: “No cause of death was announced.” This leaves a gap in the public record that may or may not be filled in the coming weeks. Given the family’s request for privacy, further updates may not be immediate.

Tributes from the hockey community

The hockey world responded quickly after the news. Fellow broadcasters, former teammates, and fans shared memories across social media. A Reddit user wrote: He was a great natural commentator with a fantastic sense of humour. The Vancouver Canucks organization released a statement calling him “a beloved member of our extended family.” Those who knew him remembered the laughter more than the stats.

“He was a great natural commentator with a fantastic sense of humour.”

— Reddit user, recalling John Garrett

“A delightful human.”

— Sportsnet colleague, on John Garrett’s character

The takeaway: even without a cause of death, the hockey community focused on celebrating his life and character.

Timeline: John Garrett’s life and career

• June 17, 1951 — Born in Canada (USA Today)
• 1972-1979 — WHA goaltender (USA Today)
• 1979-1985 — NHL goaltender (Canucks, Rangers) (USA Today)
• 1985 onward — Broadcasting career with Vancouver Canucks on Sportsnet (USA Today)
• April 27, 2026 — Passed away at age 74 (USA Today)

Confirmed facts vs. unanswered questions

Confirmed facts

• Born June 17, 1951 (USA Today)
• Died April 27, 2026 at age 74 (USA Today)
• Nickname “Cheech” (USA Today)
• WHA and NHL playing career (USA Today)
• Longtime Vancouver Canucks broadcaster (USA Today)

What’s still unclear

• Exact cause of death (not announced) (USA Today)
• Specific place of death (hospital vs. home)
• Number of children in his family
• Whether an official obituary from the family will be released

The implication: for now, the public knows the arc of his life but not the final chapter’s medical details. That may be by design—a family choosing to grieve privately rather than feed the news cycle.

Frequently asked questions

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