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.

Lions Prepare to Bench Starters in Regular Season Finale

Rookie quarterback Kaidon Salter is set to start for the B.C. Lions this Friday night as the team hosts the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at BC Place. Head coach Buck Pierce announced the starting change for the 7 p.m. kickoff, with quarterback Chris Oladokun expected to log playing time as well. Quarterback Nathan Rourke will be dressed as the third-string option but is not slated to play.

With a 10-7 record, the Lions enter the final weekend of the regular season locked into second place. The situation mirrors last week’s game in Calgary, where B.C. substituted heavily in the second half of a 32-13 loss to the Stampeders. Key offensive contributors including running back James Butler and receivers Keon Hatcher, Justin McInnis, and Stanley Berryhill are expected to sit out, alongside potential scratches on the defensive line in Casey Sayles and Mathieu Betts. Running back Emani Bailey and receivers Nate Demontagnac, Michael Fitzgerald, Jaden Williams, and Hergy Mayala are anticipated to see expanded roles.

Playoff Scenarios and Fan Events Set for Postseason

While B.C.’s playoff seed is settled, the 8-9 Blue Bombers require a victory to secure a postseason berth. Only two playoff spots remain open across the league: third place in the West Division and the fourth-place crossover spot to Toronto. A Lions win would eliminate Winnipeg from contention, placing Saskatchewan third if they beat Edmonton, and sending Calgary east as the crossover team. If Winnipeg wins, Saskatchewan must still beat Edmonton to secure third place; a Saskatchewan loss would create a rematch between Winnipeg and B.C., sending the Roughriders to Toronto.

Off the field, the organization confirmed it will host a pre-game tailgate party at the Plaza of Nations prior to the West Semifinal on Oct. 31. Following an earlier event on Sept. 12, the setup will feature food trucks, music, and family activities. Broadcast coverage for Friday’s regular season finale will be available on TSN, 730 CKNW, and Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600.

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.