Voice of the Canucks passes away
Posted June 5, 2018 10:17 pm.
Last Updated June 6, 2018 6:15 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Longtime announcer John Ashbridge has died at the age of 71.
Ashbridge began working with the Vancouver Canucks as their public address announcer in 1987 and continued to work with the team as well as the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League until recently.
“He was so good at what he did, and behind the scenes — like I said — almost the first words out of my mouth, you couldn’t ask for a more selfless human being,” John Shorthouse, current TV play-by-play voice for the Canucks, tells Sportsnet 650.
He says Ashbridge had a significant impact on his life.
“I don’t think the world will see another person as selfless as John,” Shorthouse adds. “And yet, somebody who is — in a lot of ways, albeit it sometimes in the background a little bit, very much the soundtrack of our lives.”
During his time with the local NHL team, Ashbridge worked during two Stanley Cup final appearances, traveled with the team to Japan, and provided public address duties for the 1998 NHL All-Star Game.
He was also the PA announcer for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games at Canada Hockey Place.
Reaction has been pouring in on social media from fans and media members alike for the man many have described as legendary.
The Canucks issued a statement shortly after the news of Ashbridge’s passing, saying the club is “deeply saddened” about the loss, and adding “he was a part of our family for many years.”
The Vancouver Giants also released a statement.
“To so many, he was the “voice” of hockey in Vancouver. A remarkable man who was loved and respected by everyone he interacted with. We are beyond grateful to have had John represent the Giants and the great game of hockey. Our sincere condolences to his family. Thank you John.”
