Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
back in on Canuck central sat and Vic on sports net six 50. This hour of the show is brought to you by your lower mainland, Boston pizza. The playoffs are here and BP is ready to skip the couch and catch every hit, every goal, every save, every playoff beard. This is how you watch playoff hockey.
As we come to you live from the Kintec studio and keep your thoughts coming into our Dunbar lumber text inbox, six 50, six 50 with Satyar Shah and Vic Nazar. Let's go to the able auctions hotline and welcome in our next guest. It is Chris Cuthbert, hockey night in Canada, uh, play by play, one of the top voices on sports and, and in hockey in general.
And, uh, we're chatting with Chris with very heavy hearts today, uh, with the news of John Garrett's passing at the age of 74. Uh, and Chris, thanks so much for making some time for us today. This has been a very difficult day for the sports net family as a whole. Anybody who's known, uh, you know, cheat over the years. I know you did as well. It's been very difficult for us here.
And just, first of all, uh, my condolences to you as well. I'm sorry for, uh,
having to experience this like the rest of us and what's been going through your mind today yeah it's it's it's hit uh it's hit everybody hard it's hit the whole hockey family the um the sportsnet family you guys have done a tremendous job of reminiscing and and celebrating a just a tremendous life and a tremendous guy i uh it certainly rocked uh
rocked me last night when I, when I, when I heard, um, um, you know, I hadn't worked with Cheech. Uh, he was my partner for about a half dozen years, I guess, but we hadn't worked in 30 years together, but, uh, always stayed in touch, uh, as Cheech was want to do with everybody. He, he, he kind of had a list of, of, you know, cohorts that he'd been with over time.
And it was like a little checklist. He'd go through it, uh, on a, on a monthly basis to, to check in, make sure everybody was, was doing okay. And often just to rib you a little bit and just to, just to be around. So he was that kind of guy.
And I think what, what's really, you know, as, as we talk today and we've, we've exchanged stories that the one thing about Cheech, there's, there's so many great people in this business and that's, that's not anything that was exclusive to him. But I think that, What stands out for me is I've, I've never heard anybody with a bad word about Cheech, everybody.
Everybody loved Cheech, and it made him a unique guy in a lot of ways.
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Chapter 2: What are Chris Cuthbert's memories of John Garrett?
Well, you know what's funny about the list? I knew he had a list. What I found humorous about it was Cheech was a handwritten guy. The list is handwritten. All his stats were always handwritten. You know in the game notes where they have the game-by-game, every player's stat. He had this graph paper that he used to use.
And, and back then pre-internet, when we were working together, you, you sort of had to do this more, uh, where you would, he'd do the game by games of every, every player in the league, uh, handwritten. Now the NHL has taken over and they do that now, but I, I imagine until the very end that, you know, Cheech would, would still do everything by hand. So, uh, there's some great names there.
And there were some names that I, uh, I was surprised about. Now, off the top of my head, I can't remember which ones those were, but I knew he'd worked with just about everybody in the business, and anybody that worked with him cherished those moments.
Yeah, it really is a who's who list, and also, one of the things that it tells me, too, is It's too soon no matter what, but also live the very full life that goes back so many years and with so much history and so rich in that history as well. And to your point about leaving a mark on every single person's life that he had, you know, touched in some sort of way.
And you mentioned that, you know, he would, you know, message and kind of rib you a little bit. But that's when you knew Cheech liked you when he would rib you. And I think that was one of the things that you would always kind of take solace with. If Cheech saw you and he would make fun of you, give you a little bit of a quip, that's when you knew that he liked you.
you yeah for sure uh just back to that list for a minute because uh one of the most prominent names on that list is dick irvin who i spoke with today and we worked as a as a trio for a few years and some i mean we're covering montreal right now in the 93 montreal run uh we did the first three rounds together and also after the sweep of the
of, uh, Buffalo, we picked up, uh, games five, six, and seven of, of Pittsburgh and the Islanders. And, uh, those are some of the best games I've ever covered. And I think, uh, uh, I think I, I speak for the other two guys as well.
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Chapter 3: How did John Garrett impact the hockey community?
And, and, and, and, uh, the next year was the Rangers devils, uh, overtime game seven to propel the Rangers to, uh, to the Stanley cup, uh, you know, for the first time since 1940, uh,
and the reason I'm going through all that is because at the end of that series, when we were done, uh, Dick Irvin, who, you know, has forgotten more about hockey and hockey broadcasting than the rest of us, uh, have experienced, uh, said, uh, it was one of the, uh, it was one of the most enjoyable runs of his career. Um, and, and I, I'm, he called us the happy gang and, uh,
I know it meant that much to him because of the way John Garrett was. That's how lovable a guy he was, and that's how great a team guy he was. Late in Dick Irvin's career, Cheech could elevate the experience for all of us. I called Dick this morning, and the first thing he said after the shock was, of, of learning the news, he said, you know, that was, that was the happy gang.
And, uh, you know, for a guy that, uh, you know, everybody in hockey knows is, uh, you know, Dick and Danny, uh, we were certainly not in that discussion, but for Dick to, uh, to make a point of, of, of, you know, um, establishing another team that, uh, meant something to him was, uh, I think it speaks volumes about what John Garrett's all about.
I saw you today. You tweeted the picture of the quote on the wall in the Jim Robson broadcast, Gone Love. We were playing the clip earlier today. I've posted that picture many times before.
Yeah.
It brings a smile to my face every time I walk past it to get ready for the show. And, you know, we were talking earlier, as serious as this job is and you want to be as professional about it and you want to get all the facts right and everything, Whenever I walk past that and I always touch it, it's a reminder for me personally. This is supposed to be so much fun.
I just think how difficult that is to translate sometimes on the air. It's professional and buttoned up you want to be at times. No one was able to do it of all the professionalism aspects and also all the fun aspects of it.
Yeah, yeah. I'll tell you what. You know what? Here's one that I remember the first time I met him. He was still of Vancouver Canuck. And back in the day, you guys, you guys probably too young for this, but, and it might surprise you, but back in the day, we'd go to the morning skate and you'd line the cameras up on the visiting bench.
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Chapter 4: What unique qualities made John Garrett a beloved figure?
And then afterwards, it went and hit the Shake Shack before they went home. And that was Cheech, right?
Yeah.
Well, they probably didn't serve ketchup, but that would have been a non-starter. That's another part of the story. He was a devout religious guy, and we would smile because for Lent, he would always make a point of giving up something. And I'm not sure most Catholics give up ketchup for Lent, but that was a major sacrifice for him at one year for Lent.
I do remember everybody, I guess, has noted the Elbow Room in Fort Lauderdale has become one of the big hangouts when the Stanley Cup parties were on for the Panthers, and we happened to do the 96th. Florida run to the Stanley Cup final, and it was a strange schedule.
And it really worked out well for a broadcast crew because there always seemed to be an extra day or two off between games, and it was always in Florida. And I remember he almost became the mayor of the Clevelander. And Cheech liked his beer, but we were just saying today that for all the beer companies on the road he had, I, I don't ever remember him being out of control. He, uh,
he must have had a hollow leg because he was, you know, he'd have a few, but you never saw him out of control.
I wanted to ask, just like as far as, you know, from a professional point of view, you spend, as you mentioned, six and a half seasons there. And, you know, obviously we've spent so much time watching and just like how consistent and how memorable he was so often. And did just...
Getting ready for a broadcast for that many years and just developing that chemistry for him, it felt so easy for him to have chemistry with anyone. And over the course of six and a half years there, as you're mentioning, how quickly did you feel like, oh, yeah, this is going to be real easy for me?
Oh, it was easy from day one. He's just one of those guys that you have an immediate comfort level with. And, you know, he never – there was never any showboating or I've got to do this. And he was really – you know, we were working that three-man booth that was – you know, there are three-man booths, but it can be difficult to get a pace and the right feel for each guy.
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Chapter 5: What stories highlight John Garrett's personality and humor?
And a lot of us have a hard time with certain people in terms of getting that chemistry. But it's such a testament to the individual, the professionalism and the talent to be able to not just get along with everybody, but shine with just about anybody he calls a game with.
Probably because he just was himself. He was the genuine article and, and he was, he was, he was, he was John Garrett. He was Cheech on the air. And I, and again, I, I, I wish I'd even kind of collected more of the stories that he had as a teammate, because, uh, you know, he, I, I really think he took that, whatever it was that he had that made him such a popular teammate. And, um,
And he brought it to the booth, and it worked for fans. It worked for his coworkers. And, yeah, he just was able to in any way shape his personality to – to the broadcast and to whoever he was working with. It was, it is a unique skill.
Yeah, it really is. And, and Chris, listen, man, thank you so much for giving us some time. I know it's not an easy day, but it says a lot about you as well as a teammate and a friend of a cheat, just to come out here and share your thoughts and, and, and have this moment with us and all our listeners. It means a lot to us and a lot of the listeners as well. So thank you for this.
We look forward to seeing your call as always in the playoffs. I mean, it's been incredible series between the, the halves and lightning. So I can't wait for the next game to hear your call.
Yeah, I appreciate it, guys. A special guy. So, you know, I wish it wasn't under these circumstances, but talking about John Garrett, it is a pleasure.
Thanks so much, Chris. That's Chris Cutler. Good night. And looking forward to the call Habs and Lightning coming up tomorrow. What a series that has been as well. But, you know, you hear it in Chris's voice and you hear what he mentioned there about it doesn't matter who he's working with. He always cared about the people next to him.
And I can't think of a single person who actually worked closely with Cheech and did not like him. or couldn't get along with him. And if they couldn't, trust me, that wasn't his issue. That's a you problem.
That's 100% a you problem. That's a you problem, 100%. I'll clean up the inbox here. 650-650. Jenny in Belleville. I live really close to Trenton and paid a visit where I believe Cheech played minor hockey. Sad day. There's a picture up there with Cheech as well. Signed and...
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Chapter 6: How did John Garrett maintain relationships with colleagues?
And there is an intense nature to it. And you need a certain amount of levity to it all. And there's no better group of people with Shorty and Cheech and Murph who blend it so well together. And it's a remarkable standard. That's why people around the league are When they tweet or talk about the best broadcast in the league, this one always gets brought up.
Well, and that's why in so many ways, in terms of the overall media market, putting together everybody in terms of writers, play-by-play, every broadcaster, they were truly the best of the best.
of this market and what an incredible representation for this market our industry and for them to always be at the forefront of it and set a standard which is very hard to attain and we just try to do our best to approximate in any way possible just from a pure broadcasting standpoint and that's what true legacy is it's it's what sets a standard and what people aspire to become and to be
Matt from Delta says, when I was a kid, Cheech was one of the first iconic Canucks I always will remember. I always played goal and took my old plastic hockey mask and crudly painted it and crudely painted it as close to his as possible. I throw on my flying V and head out to play on the street with my foam cut pads. Rest in peace, Cheech. Thanks for every call, every laugh, every memory.
That's Matt from North Delta. And that's well said, Matt. And I think Matt and a lot of people have
the same type of stories the inspiration and just what he has meant to fans throughout their childhood in many ways like if you grew up as a Canucks fan and your first introduction was watching and listening and hearing John Garrett you grew up with John Garrett yeah I mean that's my experience right it's just like you tap into it and
It was a soundtrack.
Yeah.
Essentially for you.
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Chapter 7: What memories do fans have of John Garrett's broadcasts?
Until May 38th, save $7 on Via Maria, private bin, Sauvignon Blanc, and $7 off Steamworks John Oliver Lager, 15 packs. Visit your nearest BC Liquor today, 19 plus. Enjoy responsibly. As we come to you live from the Kintec studio, step strong with orthotics and footwear from Kintec. And as always, keep your thoughts coming into our Dunbar Lumber text inbox, 650-650.
It's Sat and Bic here on Canuck Central. And A lot of tributes and thoughts coming in for John Garrett, who left us too soon at the age of 74. And we'll hit some more of your texts here as the show goes on. But let's go to the Able Auctions hotline and welcome in our next guest. It is Randeep Janda, game analyst on Sportsnet 650, does color on the games.
Brought to you by Bells and Whistles, your new favorite place to catch all the action, hockey, football, soccer, and more on Fraser, right in the Fraser hood online. on socials at Bills and Whistles, YVR. Randy, thanks for making some time for us today, man.
It's been a very difficult day, and especially if you're somebody like Hugh, you were born and raised here, you watched the Canucks throughout your entire life. In many ways, John Garrett was the voice that you grew up watching hockey with, and now you do color on radio as well, so you follow in those footsteps in so many different ways. This must be a day with a lot of difficult emotions.
Yeah, guys, it's a tough one. And, you know, I obviously feel for a lot of people in this city because John had such a special relationship with everybody. This is a special individual. And, you know, for people of my generation, your generation, he's always been around us, right? Like, you know, as hockey fans in this city. We saw him on television.
He was at it well before we were around, but he was a broadcaster. He was a player, but he was more than anything, if you got to know John Garrett, he was just a special person. So my thoughts are with John's family, his closest friends, Shorty, Murph, Greg Shannon.
People who worked with him for a number of years in Vancouver and of course the staff at Sportsnet as well that would have worked with them every night, every game. And just remembering and celebrating the special person that he was because it is a sad day. It's a tough day. But John gave us so many amazing memories.
And just, you know, there's those that are on camera, but there's so many that are off camera that you guys would have been privy to as well in the gondola that, you know, we're very lucky to have known who, you know, Cheech on a day-to-day basis.
You know, the phrase that gets uttered a lot, and I know Chris Cuthbert tweeted about it too, and we've had so many people say it on the stage today. When you hear the name Cheech, right, you just smile immediately because a memory pops up. So I'll ask you, what's the memory that pops up for you?
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Chapter 8: How did John Garrett's professionalism influence others?
You mentioned how Cheech exemplified that, what his work ethic, his preparation, how he showed up, how he did a great job every time. But it's also an entertainment business and one where you should be grateful that you get a chance to do this. And that's the thing that always stood out. And one thing that Vic just mentioned that...
I learned so much watching Cheech, watching Shorty, watching Murph, that you felt it was a privilege to do this. You felt that they felt like they were the luckiest people in the world to have a chance to call these games and have fun doing so. And it never felt like a chore. It never felt like this is something that they had to do and get through and punch the clock and go home.
It was genuinely something they enjoyed doing. And there was this graciousness about it as well. And I think that's something that I always took away from Cheech.
I think it comes back to, you know, I heard Shorty on the morning show this morning and it was, you know, obviously something highly emotional, of course, given their relationship and just hearing that.
you know that about that relationship was special right it's obviously a sad time but you know we've seen it in front of us but there's so many conversations there's so many text messages that those two and Murph would have had and to understand that on a personal level they're so tight but professionally uh they were so prepared but within that preparation there was always
as we're going to be so comfortable with each other that we can all roll with the punches. And that's what I really appreciate. Guys, we've worked together. We've worked on separate shows. Finding that chemistry is very, very difficult. It's something that you can aim for your entire career and never get it.
That's how impressive that trio... And I want to throw in Greg Shannon as well, the producer, because he plays a huge role in that chemistry. But that chemistry was something that...
those moments live letting those moments breathe and a big part of that guys was Cheech's obviously his game call but his humor like his storytelling and I put out a clip a little bit earlier on on Twitter where he's talking about Bob Cole after Mr. Cole's passing a couple years ago and his his storytelling is something that I'll miss I'll miss a lot about Cheech but you know we hear about the
that he had against Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins, but I remember Cheech multiple times also saying, hey, Mario never scored on me in the NHL. He never scored on me, and that's because they played one game against each other, and Cheech got a game misconduct early in that game, which was when he was the third man in, but
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