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.

Eby Warns Against Split Votes as Election Nears

As the snap election scheduled for Oct. 24 enters its final week, British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby is making a direct pitch to Green Party supporters, prompting criticism from Green Party Leader Emily Lowan.

Speaking on Sunday during a campaign stop in Campbell River, B.C., Eby noted that during the previous election, Green votes contributed to Conservatives winning over New Democrats in 11 ridings, including North Island. While acknowledging that neither he nor his party has been flawless, Eby stressed that the political stakes extend beyond frustrations over the timing of the vote.

“The message to Green voters is very straightforward,” Eby said. “I have a great deal of respect for their leader, and she’s not going to be the premier next week. The damage that a Conservative government would do would last for generations, and some of it would be impossible to undo.”

Eby argued that New Democrats and Greens share common goals, such as maintaining a robust public health-care system and protecting the environment. In contrast, he said the Conservatives present “stark differences” regarding private health care, service cuts, trade relations with the United States, and the tolerance of hate and division.

“So, I’m asking Green voters to think very carefully about the kind of province that we all want, because when we all work together as voters who share that vision, we win,” Eby added.

Green and Conservative Leaders Push Back

Green Party Leader Emily Lowan rejected Eby’s arguments and disputed his claim that the policy gaps between their parties are minor.

“David Eby called this snap election two years early,” Lowan said. “Now, he is trying to scare British Columbians into voting for him.”

She pointed to several policy areas where she argued the NDP has fallen short. “Tell that to the families waiting on the $10-a-day child care he froze, the seniors waiting on the seven long-term care homes he delayed, and the renters still waiting for housing they can afford,” Lowan said. She added that voters are seeking a government that fulfills its promises, maintains affordability, and delivers accessible care.

Lowan also cited the recent municipal election of Green Pete Fry as Vancouver’s mayor as evidence that British Columbians are open to Green leadership on election day.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives issued a statement criticizing Eby’s campaign strategy, stating he called the election for personal advantage but created an opportunity for change instead. “Three weeks later, he is begging other parties’ voters to save him from his own record. That is what desperation looks like,” the statement said.

The appeal to Green voters comes as opinion polls indicate the NDP is trailing. When asked if his comments reflected concern over the polling numbers, Eby replied that the only poll that matters takes place on election day.

Specialized Team Locates Remains at 400-Foot Depth

A specialized underwater recovery unit from Manitoba has located the body of Kyle Yrjola at a depth of over 400 feet in Okanagan Lake. The Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART) deployed to the area on Oct. 12 after being invited by Yrjola’s family, ultimately retrieving his remains on Thursday using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Next of kin have confirmed his identity.

Missing Since Late September Rescue

Yrjola had been unaccounted for since Sept. 22 following a paddleboarding incident between Carr’s Landing and Fintry Provincial Park. While emergency services successfully rescued a woman who was also in distress on the water, Yrjola remained missing until HEART’s deployment. Searchers utilized a surface-towed sonar to scan 120-foot sections of the lakebed before lowering the camera-equipped robotic arm to bring the body to the surface.

Police and Searchers Express Condolences

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP offered sympathy to those affected by the loss. “Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, and we hope the recovery of their loved one brings some measure of comfort and closure,” said Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the detachment.

HEART searchers also shared a statement following the successful operation: “While we rejoice that Kyle has been found, our hearts remain heavy for his family and loved ones, who have suffered through days of painful uncertainty. We sincerely thank everyone who has supported this mission through prayers, encouragement, and financial contributions. Your kindness and generosity have helped make this recovery possible.”