It’s truly the end of an era.

Ahead of the third period between the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks, Sportsnet TV colour analyst John Garrett made a very bittersweet announcement.

This will be Garrett’s final season on the job.

“Since 2002, I’ve had the privilege and honour to be the colour analyst on the regional Sportsnet Canucks broadcast,” said Garrett. “This season will be my final time filling that role, even though I will appear on some other Sportsnet properties. If you’ve been watching and listening for all these years, you know how much I have enjoyed my experience and the time doing this job. And a lot of the reason is the great people I work with.

“Sportsnet Pacific’s crew doesn’t have an equal in the business. No matter what the situation, no matter what the time of day or night, they make you feel like you’re in the building. I’d like to thank John Shorthouse, Dan Murphy, and our producer Greg Shannon. Your camaraderie and friendship will never be forgotten, and we will be lifelong friends. But most of all, I’d like to thank the fans, whose unwavering support has lasted for these 20 years and beyond. Your enthusiasm and passion for the game and for this team will never be forgotten. We are all Canucks. Thanks.

Garrett’s broadcast partner, play-by-play man John Shorthouse, took a moment to reflect on the duos’ time together.

“I’ve worked with some great partners,” said Shorthouse. “But I always think of you the same way you describe our late friend Jack McIlhargey, the best teammate I’ve ever had. I’m going to savour these last twelve games, and I’m going to cherish the memories of the hundreds if not thousands of games that we’ve called through the years.”

Along with Dan Murphy, Garrett and Shorthouse crafted a truly top of the line product for years, no matter how the team on the ice was performing.

Whether the cameras are on or off, Garrett is truly one of the best people in this business, and he will be missed by fans, colleagues, and everyone in between. All the best Cheech!