NHL Announcer John Garrett Found Dead In Hotel Room at 74

Legendary NHL announcer John Garrett was found dead on Monday afternoon. He was 74 years old.

Garrett, who for more than two decades served as the primary voice of Vancouver Canucks broadcasts, was working the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Garrett was in Salt Lake City, preparing to call a game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Utah Mammoth.

The longtime NHL announcer was found dead in his hotel room on Monday, April 27.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who last saw Garrett on Friday night, when the announcer called the Mammoth's first-ever home playoff game, released a statement on his death.

"The National Hockey League family is stunned and saddened by the sudden passing of John Garrett, whose astute analysis took fans, particularly in Western Canada, inside our game for the last four decades," he said.

Garrett, who was born in Trenton, Ontario, was drafted 38th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 1971. He spent six seasons in the NHL before getting into broadcasting.

Fans and players are deeply saddened by his passing.

"Lost a gem of a human being. I was SO lucky to have gotten to know John Garrett & enjoyed working with him so much. Made me feel so comfortable. Countless laughs & stories. Truly a great friend and a beloved colleague to so many of us. Cheech, you will be missed, dearly 🙏," one fan wrote.

The Vancouver Canucks released a statement

"Canucks Sports & Entertainment is heartbroken by the sudden passing of John Garrett, a cherished member of our family whose loss is deeply felt across our entire organization and community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to John's family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed. Forever a Canuck," they wrote.

May he rest in peace.

Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 9:16 PM.