Down and Back

Author: Justin Bourne

Publisher: Viking Canada

Down and Back tells broadcaster Justin Bourne’s story of following his Hall-of-Fame father not only to the NHL, but also into rehab. Though he hadn’t begun drinking until he was 21, by 36 his drinking had nearly swamped his career and his marriage. In an act of brutal self-honesty—which may not have been possible if not for his understanding of how lying spurred by alcoholism can cause a family pain—Bourne got help, got sober, and confronted what his father and the game mean to him.

Down and Back is a frank and unflinching appraisal of the game and Bourne’s relationship with it: the violence and danger, the booze and drugs, the consequences of fame. But it is also an honest look at what is redeeming about the sport, through the eyes of someone who grew up in NHL dressing rooms, who has skated on NHL ice as both a player and a coach, and who inherited the game from a man he’s grown to better understand by looking more closely at himself.

About the Author:

Justin Bourne is a former NCAA player and Toronto Marlies coach who signed on with Sportsnet in 2019. Born and raised in the world of hockey, he is known for his keen analytical eye, sharp wit, and ability to explain the game of hockey. Bourne currently hosts Real Kyper & Bourne alongside Stanley Cup champion Nick Kypreos, which broadcasts across Sportsnet’s many platforms. Bourne also regularly appears as an NHL analyst on Sportsnet’s television broadcasts, including Hockey Night in Canada, and contributes to NHL content on Sportsnet.ca.