Canucks Wear Memorial T-Shirts and Show Jumbotron Tribute

Vancouver Canucks players and coaching staff wore specialized memorial T-shirts depicting John “Cheech” Garrett’s iconic moustache and broadcast headset prior to Tuesday night’s matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Arena. The Oct. 20 pre-game ceremony featured a video highlighting Garrett’s hockey and broadcasting career on the arena jumbotron before the national anthems.

“John Garrett greeted every day with an optimistic smile, always had time for an autograph, a selfie, and a story to share with his thousands of fans and friends across the hockey world,” announced Al Murdoch, the in-arena voice of the Canucks. In addition to the pre-game video, in-game activities featured trivia focused on Garrett as well as a “hot dog drop.”

A Storied Career On and Off the Ice

Garrett, who resided in the Boundary Park neighbourhood of Surrey, passed away suddenly last April at age 74. Known for his technical hockey insights, signature sense of humour, and enthusiasm for ketchup-topped food, he remained a prominent Sportsnet analyst until his death.

Born in Trenton, Ontario, on June 17, 1951, Garrett was selected 38th overall in the 1971 draft. He competed in the World Hockey Association from 1973 until 1979 before spending 1979 to 1985 in the NHL as a goaltender for several franchises, including the Canucks and the Hartford Whalers. Over his 207 NHL games, he earned a spot in the 1983 All-Star Game and notably recorded the secondary assist on Gordie Howe’s final career NHL goal. Following his playing career, he transitioned directly into broadcasting at Rogers Arena.

Game Outcome

The visiting Carolina Hurricanes, the defending Stanley Cup champions who formerly played as the Hartford Whalers, secured a 6-3 victory over Vancouver following the tributes.

Legacy of Local Public Works

Geert Maas, a prominent Dutch-born sculptor whose work shaped public spaces throughout the region and beyond, passed away on Oct. 16 at the age of 82. His family noted in an obituary that his death followed several years of declining health.

Maas created numerous well-known public installations across Kelowna. His local sculptures include On the Beach located in Waterfront Park, the Circle of Friendship near Kasugai Gardens, and a large bronze apple centennial time capsule at Orchard Park Mall. He was also the creator of Butterflies Rhapsody for Central Okanagan Hospice, along with various other public art pieces in B.C. and internationally.

Community Engagement and Worldwide Recognition

Beyond his individual creations, Maas frequently involved residents directly in art projects. Working alongside his wife of 57 years, Elly, he assisted the public with the clay-tile entrance installation at the Kelowna Art Gallery. He also hosted 10 studio workshops to guide local citizens in crafting over 100 bronze medallions for the Spirit of Kelowna exhibit situated at Kelowna City Hall.

Recognized with the Okanagan Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, Maas saw his pieces placed in corporate, private, and public collections across roughly 36 countries. His family remembered him as a generous and kind individual deeply committed to his loved ones, community, and craft, who maintained a lifelong passion for Dutch soccer and possessed a keen sense of humor.

Upcoming Memorial Events

Members of the public will have opportunities to commemorate the late artist at the Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens. An art exhibit and sale is scheduled at the venue for Nov. 11 and 12, running from 2 to 4 p.m. Later in the season, a Celebration of Life will take place at the gardens on Sunday, Dec. 20, also from 2 to 4 p.m.

Longtime Local Business Prepares for Final Halloween

After 45 years of operation, family-owned Calowna Costume is preparing to permanently close its doors. Located at 538 Bernard Ave., the downtown Kelowna shop will remain open through Nov. 14, offering sales as it helps community members choose Halloween attire for its final season.

Manager Kerri Brandel, who began working at the business during Grade 11 when it was owned by her mother, Karen, noted that a combination of online shopping and the pandemic gradually impacted the store over time. Although she never anticipated shuttering the business permanently, Brandel explained that the decision marks the end of an era spanning back to the early 1980s.

A History Rooted in Downtown Kelowna

The enterprise originally started on Pandosy Street as a consignment shop owned by Brandel’s grandmother, Fran Ungaro. Ungaro eventually persuaded her husband to assist in running a downtown costume business, prompting a move to Lawrence Avenue. Over the decades, the family expanded their inventory by designing and sewing garments, constructing and customizing rentals, browsing catalogs, and traveling to trade shows.

Sometime in the early 1990s, after outgrowing its previous space due to surging popularity, the retailer relocated to its current Bernard Avenue site. Brandel expressed deep gratitude for her late grandmother, who passed away roughly 30 years ago, sharing that Ungaro taught her the value of cleanliness, store presentation, and prioritizing customer service.

Reflecting on Decades of Community Memories

While the family faces an emotional farewell selling off inventory—including original pieces hand-sewn by Ungaro—Brandel finds comfort knowing the outfits are heading to good homes. For her, the true magic of the store came from the customers, staff, and local residents who visited over the years.

“It’s just a piece of clothing, but what that piece of clothing does is allow that person to become Catwoman or Maleficent,” Brandel said. “They can be confident in their costume, and it brings smiles, laughter, and confidence. And that’s what I love about my job.”