Passing the Legacy: Netflix Unveils Long-Awaited Documentary on Gordie Howe’s Final Goal Featuring John Garrett’s Forgotten Assist
In a moment that blends hockey history with modern storytelling, Netflix has officially released “Passing the Legacy”—a long-anticipated documentary centered on Gordie Howe’s legendary final NHL goal. The film not only honors one of the greatest players in hockey history but also shines a spotlight on a nearly forgotten contributor: former Vancouver Canucks goaltender and broadcaster John Garrett.
The documentary revisits the emotional and historic night in 1980 when 52-year-old Gordie Howe scored his final NHL goal as a member of the Hartford Whalers. What has long gone under the radar is the fact that John Garrett, then a goaltender for the Whalers, registered the secondary assist on the goal—an extraordinary and often overlooked piece of hockey trivia.
“I honestly didn’t remember it until someone brought it up years later,” Garrett says in the documentary with a smile. “But to have even the smallest role in Gordie’s final goal? That’s something I’ll cherish forever.” The assist, buried in the box score for decades, is now receiving its due recognition as part of a larger narrative about legacy, mentorship, and the hidden connections that shape sports history.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sarah Lindstrom, “Passing the Legacy” blends rare archival footage, personal interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from Howe’s final season. The film also touches on his impact beyond the ice—both as an ambassador of the game and as a father figure to younger teammates during his twilight years.
Netflix described the documentary as a “tribute to the moments that often go unnoticed but live on in the memories of those who were there.” Featuring interviews with Wayne Gretzky, Mark Howe, and Garrett himself, the film is being praised for its emotional depth and unique storytelling angle.
Hockey fans and historians have welcomed the film as a long-overdue celebration of an iconic career and the surprising figures connected to it. On social media, tributes poured in for Garrett, whose decades-long career in hockey—as a player and later as a beloved Canucks broadcaster—continues to resonate with fans across generations.
“Passing the Legacy” is now streaming worldwide on Netflix and is already being hailed as a must-watch for both hockey lovers and those fascinated by the quiet, powerful moments that define greatness. It’s more than just a sports documentary—it’s a reminder that in hockey, every assist tells a story.
