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.

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.”

Voters Select New Face for Kelowna City Council

Voters in Kelowna selected five newcomers to city council on Saturday, unseating four-term incumbent councillor Maxine DeHart. First elected in 2011, DeHart was the sole incumbent candidate to lose her seat, placing 10th overall with 11,165 votes. Mayor Tom Dyas was re-elected alongside three returning incumbent councillors.

Election Outcome and Candidate Results

Incumbent Gord Lovegrove topped the council poll with 15,462 votes, followed closely by newcomers Davis Kyle with 14,822 votes, Kevin Kraft with 13,505 votes, and Brady Rogers with 12,635 votes. Incumbents Rick Webber and Mohini Singh secured re-election with 12,512 and 11,968 votes respectively. The remaining successful candidates were newcomers Laura Thurnheer, who earned 11,949 votes, and Les Bellamy, who received 11,470 votes.

Backgrounds and Election Night Gathering

Several candidates gathered at the Coast Capri Hotel on election night for the event held by mayoral candidate Ron Cannan. Lovegrove, who supported Cannan for mayor, attended wearing a shirt reading ‘Join the Love Train’ to highlight his campaign for mass transit in Kelowna. Kraft, who was present at the same gathering, also earned re-election to the Central Okanagan Regional District representing the Central Okanagan East electoral area.

Among the newly elected councillors, Kyle previously missed gaining a council seat by a narrow margin in the 2022 civic vote. Thurnheer brings experience in post-secondary education and business, while Bellamy is a homebuilding company owner. Rogers ran a non-traditional social media campaign that included the slogan ‘I barely want to do this’. On his website, Rogers stated: “Running for council is the last thing I saw myself doing this year. I don’t like meetings. I don’t like having to be certain places at certain times, and I’m allergic to stuffy offices. But unfortunately, I happen to like Kelowna, and I think I can help do some good.”