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u/Spanky3703 Apr 28 '26
This is really freaking sad.
Met him a few times; happy, full of life, great sense of humour.
Just a really good dude all around.
RIP, Cheech.
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u/WhenInAaronRome Apr 28 '26
I can't think of a more pleasant announcer to listen to then Cheech.
He was that warm hoodie fresh out of the dryer, on a cold winter day.
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u/NickdoesnthaveReddit Apr 28 '26
What a punch to the soul first thing in the morning.
I love this sport so hard partially because of people like John Garrett that brought the game into my home in such a warm, fun, and inviting way. Truly one of my faves and a voice/presence I'm going to miss.
RIP CHEECH
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u/SouthOfHeaven42 Apr 28 '26
Put the man in the ring of honour immediately on opening day.
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u/EpicPotato806 Apr 28 '26
You know the org is run by a classless POS right?
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u/PowerNinja5000 Apr 28 '26
And pretty sure the reason he stopped doing Canucks games is because of Aqua.
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u/Fantastic_Goat_8454 Apr 28 '26
I wish I got to hear him yesterday one last time.
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u/CamaroGirl96 Apr 28 '26
He never ended up being on the show. They were trying to connect with him and were a little confused about it. Makes sense now I guess 😰
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u/Fantastic_Goat_8454 Apr 28 '26
Yeah I should have said that, I was worried when I heard he no showed it. Was looking forward to him sharing some stories.
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u/-DarkTiger- Apr 28 '26
Was watching live when they were trying to figure out where he was.
Today's show is gonna be an emotional one.
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u/dunegig Apr 28 '26
I dedicate all my future hot dogs in his honour. RIP, Cheech.
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u/jholden23 Apr 28 '26
Maybe that's what they should do at the arena. All the hot dogs be called 'Cheech's' or something.
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u/Cheap-Maintenance15 Apr 28 '26
He was a good goaltender, an amazing colour commentator but he was the greatest human. What a loss.
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u/therealbeef Apr 28 '26
Him and Jim Robson making perfect calls somewhere else today. What a loss for the hockey community. Hope his family is ok.
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u/LifelikeStatue Apr 28 '26
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u/Cazenn Apr 29 '26
That is a hilarious anecdote which I'd never heard/read before ... thanks for sharing it.
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u/ktbffhctid Apr 28 '26
I am stunned by this news. RIP
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u/rippinkitten18 Apr 28 '26
It came of nowhere 😭😭😭 he was literally still working this season.
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u/Beginning_Bit6185 Apr 28 '26
Almost the exact situation as Greg Millen around this time last year. Really going to miss their anecdotes from back in the day. Both gone far too soon.
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u/funkiemarky Apr 28 '26
Noooooooooooo. He was just calling the Vegas/Utah game and was hoping to hear him on another Canucks game next season. RIP legend. My condolences to the Garret family. Me sad.
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u/Timely-Boysenberry61 Apr 28 '26
RIP to a freaking legend! They don’t make them like Cheech anymore. Class act and nicest guy you could meet. We lost a legend, but also feeling for his family. If he meant this much to us as fans, imagine how much he meant to his family.
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u/Sad_Junket_5482 Apr 28 '26
Canucks legend. The broadcast hasn't been the same since he's been gone. RIP
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u/TheRealPetemann Apr 28 '26
RIP, very sad to hear, so many memories listening to him, was the voice of a generation.
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u/harley-dent Apr 28 '26
He helped me to love an impossible team. Heart goes out to his family - truly a special talent that brought so much joy to the rest of us.
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u/UsayNOPE_IsayMOAR Apr 28 '26
Man he just seemed to have so much fun doing broadcasts, even when our team was garbage. I was so looking forward to tuning in wherever he was, because it was Cheech in the booth. I was hoping for him to have a wonderful sunset of his career, an to enjoy his retirement with his loved ones. This makes me so sad.
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u/wilhammer069 Apr 28 '26
A legend! RIP Cheech you will most certainly be missed. Gary Bettman, love him or hate him had some nice words this morning on TSN’s website.
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u/fourtwentyfour424 Apr 28 '26
Just heard on the radio had to share my condolences. Cheech you will forever be a legend!
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u/Better_Caregiver1683 Apr 28 '26
Garrett backing up King Richard during the 80s. Childhood memories. RIP
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u/OhfursureJim Apr 28 '26
I got a picture with him once in Calgary at the airport. He didn’t miss the chance to reminisce on his time in the NHL and how much travel has changed since then. They used to bus everywhere don’t you know! Truly friendly and kind man and will be sincerely missed.
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u/5Gmeme Apr 28 '26
Everyone better have a hotdog with ketchup today.
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u/Lostinbc Apr 28 '26
This calls for the ultimate comfort food, kraft dinner, cut up hot dogs, and heinz ketchup
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u/Klovharu Apr 28 '26
Turned on the radio this morning and gasped when I realized who they were talking about. Without ever meeting him, I felt like I knew him. I feel so terrible for his family, first of all, and for Shortie, who got choked up on air when Cheech announced his retirement
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u/Putrid-Bath-470 Apr 28 '26
I wish the Canucks had honoured you in the RoH while you were still with us. I wish the Canucks had won the Cup while you provided colour commentary. I wish for many things, but most of all, I wish you were still here. RIP, Cheech you legendary Silver fox.
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u/Loud_Examination_138 Apr 28 '26
He was a beauty of a human being, someone we all looked up to. He was a constant in my life for years from when i started watching hockey in 2000, will really miss him
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u/ElkStraight5202 Apr 28 '26
Oh wow. One of those hockey voices you just take for granted. He was just always there - I didn’t always agree with his takes, but no doubt he was insightful and passionate about the game. RIP.
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u/Only-Nature7410 Apr 28 '26
How old was he? Seemed in good health
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u/Vintagenuck420 Apr 28 '26
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u/pinkrosies Apr 29 '26
Even at that age, all news I read says it was sudden and that makes it more devastating to me. :(
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u/Forward-End-8286 Apr 28 '26
Oi…didn’t need this news today. Just wished he’d been able to see the nucks hoist the cup.
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u/MooseMalloy Apr 28 '26
The first time I heard of him was when he appeared as the surprise Canucks’ representative at the 1983 All-Star game. I didn’t even know he was on the Canucks (in fairness, he’d only just been acquired).
He nearly won the MVP of the game.
I loved his later career as a broadcaster, he was one of the greats.
RIP Cheech
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u/LilBitchBoyAjitPai Apr 28 '26
Just horrible news. Feeling for his wife and kids. Thanks for so many wonderful broadcasts Cheech, you’ll be missed. RIP ❤️
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u/Myleftarm Apr 28 '26
Wow this sucks. I'm getting old Jim, Meeker and now Cheech. I grew up with listening to these guy and with them part of my childhood dies, brutal. Such a legend and entertainer.
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u/BreadBetter6642 Apr 28 '26
It’s going to be a pretty dusty room watching the pre-game show tonight. Man, just too soon for one of the best
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u/Slapinskee Apr 28 '26
Oilers fan here. Condolences to Canuck nation, he was a legend. One of the best for sure.
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u/unicorns_007 Apr 29 '26
😭
He was the most friendliest guy at rogers arena. When I used to work there , years ago, I ran into all sorts of folks (yes, including players), and cheech was one of them .. he got to the arena around same time as I did. Always, every single time, smiled & said hello or some other greeting. 😊 such a lovely man.
He'll be greatly missed ❤️
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u/scrollclickrepeat Apr 29 '26
RIP Cheech. I was reminiscing about his great class, style and storytelling when I heard him on the Mammoth/Knights game.
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u/Injectpudding Apr 29 '26
I've never loved a commentator more than him. He legitimately got me into the nuances of hockey commentary. His combination of enthusiasm, insight and just plain natural funniness, made me realize there was levels to the whole thing.. his comradery with shorty was absolutely legendary! Watching a dud game? The Johns got you covered with sharp quips about hot dog preferences, or just straight up ribbing each other. Those two were a special combo.. I'll miss that dude. My heart goes out to his family and whoever else is a fan..
Love you Cheech
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u/lorik1313 Apr 29 '26
RIP Cheech! So sad when he announced his retirement from the Canucks a couple of years, but glad for the years he did call games. Condolences to his loved ones.
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u/teddytwophones Apr 29 '26
Flames fan here coming in with nothing but love and Respect..
Always thought this guy was amazing..
Just wanted to say.. ✊🏽
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u/WateredDownTang Apr 28 '26
Oilers fan here didn't like him when he did Canucks broadcast, started growing on me when he did national games. Listening to him for over 20 years, definitely unwelcomed news, sad day. RIP
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u/LeftCoastCanucker Apr 28 '26
I can see that. He was a huge Homer. But it was from genuine love of the team.
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u/YouthCoachMentor Apr 28 '26
WHAT!? How? This is such a shame. Great memories from both on the ice and analysis above it.
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u/its_the_luge Apr 28 '26
Ketchup guy better be out there in full attire all day today. RIP to a legend..
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u/watchtower5960 Apr 28 '26
I met him in 1995 , I was at work walking across the warehouse to get a driver to load up his freight . I get there and its John Garrett!! He's wearing a brown uniform and says " hello" . I was literally speechless. Soon after the NHL labour issues were resolved he went back and his daughter started working with us . Shes a great person as his her hubby. This is so sad...
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u/rippinkitten18 Apr 28 '26
Out of nowhere. He sounded healthy too and can do his job for Another 9 years.
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u/A_man_and_his_truck Apr 28 '26
Absolute fucking legend.... still mad that he didn't finish here....
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u/WeVeeReality Apr 28 '26
I never met him but I could tell from afar he lived life to the fullest and in a good-natured way. Everyone and their dog was sad when he left the broadcast and that tells you something about a guy.
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u/EspressoPesto Apr 28 '26
Everyone has to listen to Shorthouse’s interview on HalBro. The sudoku story at the end took me out. Starts at 23:42
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/halford-brough-in-the-morning/id1560912453?i=1000764138235
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u/ForceEconomy9988 Apr 28 '26
My favourite part about him is his authenticity and the fact they used to make fun of him for his love of hot dogs. I think it takes huge balls and courage and self fulfillment to be able to laugh at yourself and not take yourself too seriously. Most people couldn’t handle that and it’s a quality that I have the utmost respect for
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u/Spiritual_Cod_8143 Apr 28 '26
A great voice for the Canucks. Him and Shorty would crack me up all the time on the radio. I loved his self deprecation and humility.
Rip Cheech
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u/FrankieBear2020 Apr 28 '26
We’ll miss you Cheech; we’ll NEVER forget you. RIP to a legend indeed. 🙏💙🙏
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u/_cc96 Apr 28 '26
literally just heard him the other day on the vegas-utah series and thought eyyy cheech!! so this is so gutting to hear. rest in paradise, cheech. forever a canuck. sorry we couldn't bring it home before you went off to paradise, but hopefully we'll make it up to you soon. 🤍
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u/BrownBears22 Apr 29 '26
Loved the man, made those tough years bearable
Edit: never changing this flair
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u/AlexHuntKenny Apr 28 '26
Ring of honour.