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New Vancouver Canucks goalie pays tribute to John Garrett

Daniel Wagner
Daniel Wagner
|
Oct 3 2026, 9:21 pm
New Vancouver Canucks goalie pays tribute to John Garrett
@Canucks/X

Leevi Meriläinen has barely been a member of the Vancouver Canucks for a week, but he’s already paying tribute to Canucks’ history.

The Canucks claimed Meriläinen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators just before the start of the regular season, so the Finnish goaltender will still be wearing his Senators pads when he makes his first start on Saturday night.

Fortunately, the black, red, and gold of his Senators pads will fit right in with the Canucks’ black skate jersey, which will make its season debut in the same game. Most importantly, Meriläinen got his new Canucks mask just in time for his first start, and it features a tribute to a beloved former Canuck.

Along with the Vancouver skyline and the Canucks’ orca logo in skate colours, Meriläinen’s mask features a nod to John Garrett on the lower left side.

Kevin Woodley of InGoal Magazine shared a close-up view of the work done by Custom Cages, showcasing the mix of matte and glossy finishes, and highlighting the Garrett tribute.

The illustration shows Garrett’s classic Canucks mask, which he wore at the end of his NHL career.

Garrett continued to wear the mask at Canucks alumni events.

After retiring, Garrett moved into broadcasting, calling NHL games as a colour commentator for 40 years, including over 20 years calling Canucks games for Sportsnet.

Garrett passed away in April of this year. Dan Murphy, John Shorthouse, and Ray Ferraro paid tribute to their beloved friend during the Canucks’ home opener on Thursday.

Murphy noted that Meriläinen will also be wearing Garrett’s former number 31 with the Canucks.

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