John Garrett: The Man Who Made Hockey Feel Like Home

One of my favorite commentators from Sportsnet and, of course, Hockey Night in Canada has always been John Garrett. Not only did he have a memorable broadcasting style, but he was also one of the many players who went to the WHA.

During his time in the WHA, John built strong memories, especially from his years of service with the Canucks, which he always recalled fondly.

John played for the Minnesota Fighting Saints from 1973 to 1976. After leaving the Saints, he joined the Toronto Toros, who later relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, where he played for three seasons. In his last WHA season, he played with the New England Whalers. When the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979, John stayed with the Hartford Whalers. He later played with the Quebec Nordiques and finished his NHL playing career with the Vancouver Canucks.

I often listened to him calling the Canucks games; he was so good. His cheerful presence stood out, and he really enjoyed life, as evidenced by both his play and his calls. He was so knowledgeable with his comments. He taught me how a goalie in the NHL was supposed to be.

He was known for being very personable, and no one ever had a mean thing to say about him. Always willing to talk hockey, he was widely recognized for his ability to make people feel welcome.

Fans lovingly remember him as our ‘Favorite Uncle,’ a testament to the warmth he brought to the hockey community.

On the broadcast, John helped people feel included. He just brought a smile to everyone’s face and, in doing so, became a favorite among all hockey fans.

John’s Iconic Sayings

“In it goes.”

After every goal during his commentary, John would say, ‘In it goes.’ This phrase became one of the things fans will always remember him for.

“Yes!“

John’s enthusiastic response whenever he agreed with the announcer he was paired with lives on in my memory.  

Final Word

My sincere sympathy goes out to everyone who worked with John Garrett, as well as to his wife and children. His positive influence was felt by many, and he will be sadly missed. 

Randy

“Bernie, Bernie, Bernie”: The Goalie Who Could Do No Wrong

The hockey world lost another legend. The iconic Bernie Parent left us this weekend. He was the heart behind the Philadelphia Bullies in the 1970s. I did not meet Bernie, but from what I read, he is one of the most loved players in the NHL. People had nothing but good things to say about him.

When I was younger, I was ecstatic when the Toronto Maple Leafs made a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers and acquired the iconic Bernie Parent.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sent Bruce Gamble, Mike Shakey Walton, and a first-round pick back to the Flyers. With Bernie, the Toronto Maple Leafs had a dynamic duo in goal, with Plante being the other goalie. After two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, we lost Bernie to the WHA. Bernie returned to the NHL’s Maple Leafs and was immediately traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Parent became an elite goalie with the Flyers. Winning two Stanley Cups, two Vesna trophies, and finally two Con Smith trophies. He was the MVP of the Philadelphia Flyers, or should I say Philadelphia Phillies, during their Stanley Cup years. In those years, the Flyers were a rough team. He could do no wrong among the Philadelphia Flyers fans as they chanted “Bernie, Bernie, Bernie.” He was the immovable object in the net. The opposing teams had a hard enough time getting around the Flyers’ defence, but then they have to face Bernie in net. It would take a perfect shot to beat him.

In Parent’s final six seasons, his average was a sensational 2.32. The two years they won the cup were 1.89 in 1973-74. That year, he had a whopping 12 shutouts. In the second year, 1974-75, his average was 2.04, and he again recorded 12 shutouts.

Final Word

I remember the years when the Flyers won the Stanley Cup. I wondered how many cups the Leafs would have won with him in net. I wish we could have had him for a couple more years. The world is a lot sadder without him.

Randy