Down and Back

Praise

“Justin does a deft job using his own career timeline to examine a number of hockey’s cultural touchpoints, and their impact on his own life. It may just be one player’s story, but there are lessons we can all relate to, even if we’ve never played a single shift. You can’t help but root for him along the way. An important, endlessly compelling read.”
—James Duthie, TSN sportscaster and bestselling author of The Guy on the Left

“I learned from this book. A fascinating story about life and the challenges Justin faced and continues to face. Well worth the read!”
—Brian Burke, president of hockey operations of the Pittsburgh Penguins and bestselling author of Burke’s Law

“Down and Back finds a way to be both an engaging hockey book, and a greater musing on life’s bigger themes like family, self-identity, and love. A great read with something for everyone.”
—John Buccigross, ESPN sportscaster and co-host of SportsCenter

“‘In nature’s infinite book of secrecy, a little I can read.’ That’s Shakespeare’s way of saying that the important truths reveal themselves only at the cost of hard work. Get ready to join Justin on a line after line rush to answer the question, his question, and yours . . . Are my talents real?”
—Ron MacLean, CBC sportscaster and host of Hockey Night in Canada

“Bourne’s writing is steeped in hockey code, and he is transparent about what parts of the game’s culture he wears easily, and what chafes. . . . [He] offers encouragement to readers whose lives are unmanageable because of booze. . .  .[and] presents a how-to, or perhaps a how-not-to guide for serious young hockey players.”
—CBC Sports