John Garrett, a beloved television analyst for the Vancouver Canucks, died at 74 in Salt Lake City. He was found lifeless in his hotel room while covering the NHL playoffs.
Garrett was known for his reassuring voice and folksy humor, captivating a generation of hockey fans. His longtime colleague, John Shorthouse, recalls only two instances where Garrett lost his temper.
One incident occurred in Columbus when the Sportsnet crew waited for a restaurant. The other was when Shorthouse faced a medical emergency in Philadelphia, and Garrett intervened to ensure he received care.
“I’ll never forget that,” Shorthouse said. “That spoke to his unfailing and unshakeable capacity to be the perfect teammate.” Garrett’s legacy extends beyond broadcasting, touching the lives of many.
Greg Shannon, a long-time producer, described Garrett as humble and relatable. “There’s no bad John Garrett stories. There just isn’t,” he affirmed.
Garrett transitioned to a national schedule with Sportsnet three years ago after years of regional broadcasts. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, daughters Krista and Sarah, and grandchildren.
His passing has left a significant void in the hockey community.
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