John Garrett Earned Lasting Respect Through His Generosity

John Garrett, a former NHL goaltender who became a respected hockey broadcaster, left a lasting impression on colleagues and friends through his generosity and kindness. Garrett died of a heart attack at age 74 in April in Salt Lake City while covering a playoff game for Sportsnet, prompting tributes from the Vancouver Canucks and those who worked alongside him.

Bruce Boudreau, the former Canucks head coach, recalled Garrett's warmth during a conversation on Tuesday, ahead of the team's tribute to the longtime color commentator. Their friendship dated to the 1975-76 World Hockey Association season, when both played for the Minnesota Fighting Saints.

Garrett had been one of the veterans who helped Boudreau adjust to professional hockey. Boudreau, then a rookie, faced a difficult introduction to a team whose financial troubles were becoming increasingly apparent.

Reflecting on Garrett's approachable personality, Boudreau said, "He was always so affable," and added, "You could talk to him at any time."

Boudreau also remembered that Garrett and backup goaltender Mike Curran tried to protect younger players from the harsh treatment rookies experienced. Their support helped Boudreau navigate his first professional season.

"We had an older team. They were merciless," Boudreau said. "But John was one of the guys who wasn't going to treat a rookie like they were being treated in 1975."

Recalling how Garrett and Curran reassured him, Boudreau said, "Those two guys were always taking me aside. 'You're going to be OK,' they'd tell me."

Garrett's consideration for others also defined his broadcasting career. He became a familiar presence in Canucks coverage alongside play-by-play announcer John Shorthouse, with the pair first working together in 2008. Their professional partnership developed into a close friendship.

Shorthouse remembered a trip to San Jose when he hesitated to ask for drinks from another team's dressing room. Garrett immediately approached Joe Thornton, who helped them obtain what they wanted.

"I remember being in San Jose. We wanted a Red Bull. The dressing rooms of teams are always stocked. I was feeling a little reticent to ask," Shorthouse recalled.

Describing Garrett's response, Shorthouse said, "John didn't bat an eye. He just saw Jumbo Joe (Thornton). 'Hey Joe, could you grab us a couple Red Bulls?' And Joe just goes and gets us a couple."

Shorthouse emphasized that Garrett's generosity extended beyond the rink and broadcasting booth.

"There was just nothing to dislike about him," Shorthouse said.

Dan Murphy, another longtime Sportsnet colleague, recalled how Garrett routinely offered practical help, whether running errands or assisting with travel arrangements. Murphy said Garrett consistently looked for ways to make life easier for the people around him.

"He was always selfless," Murphy said.

Murphy described Garrett as someone who regularly offered to pick up items for colleagues while visiting pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens. He also volunteered to research problems online or arrange bookings when someone needed assistance.

"I can't think of a time when he was in a bad mood," Murphy said.

Murphy also remembered an encounter in San Jose when former NHL player Joe Thornton stopped his vehicle to offer the broadcasting team a ride back to their hotel. The walk from the SAP Centre would otherwise have taken about 15 minutes.

After Garrett died in Salt Lake City on the morning of a playoff game, Murphy stayed behind to help manage the arrangements. He coordinated the return of Garrett's remains and personal belongings to British Columbia, sparing the broadcaster's family from having to travel to Utah to handle the immediate aftermath.

Murphy and producer Paul Gris remained to clear Garrett's hotel room and pack his belongings. Garrett had continued working national broadcasts for Sportsnet two years after he stopped covering Canucks games, maintaining relationships throughout the hockey community.

During the Utah-Vegas series, Murphy saw how widely Garrett was known and appreciated, from Mammoth trainers with connections to the franchise's Winnipeg history to Vegas coach John Tortorella, who had taken over as head coach late in the season.

Murphy described his decision to stay in Utah as a responsibility to Garrett's family.

"Of course I was going to stay. I mean, you're not going to have his family have to fly down to Utah and try to deal with it," Murphy said.

Producer Paul Gris also stayed to help Murphy handle Garrett's belongings following the death, which occurred while the Sportsnet team was in Salt Lake City covering the playoffs.