Hockey analyst with Okanagan ties opens up about sobriety

Justin Bourne, who is a writer and radio host for Sportsnet, opened up on Twitter on Thursday about his struggles with alcohol abuse.

Been waiting a long time to send these tweets, as I’ve been eager to share this loud and clear: Hi, my name is Justin Bourne, and I’m an alcoholic. I’m in a good place now, but yeah … it’s been a journey. 🧵

— Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) December 8, 2022

If the name sounds familiar to Okanagan locals, that's because Bourne played his minor hockey in West Kelowna, winning the provincial championship with the Westside Grizzlies in the 1999-2000 season.

Then, he played for the Osoyoos Heat for one year in the KIJHL, which was followed by two seasons with the Vernon Vipers (2001-03).

After a four-year stint at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, Bourne looked to make a career of hockey, until a slap shot shattered his jaw in 2008 which effectively ended his career.

He began writing about the sport, garnering praise with his comments on homophobia and steroid use in the dressing room.

Eventually, The Score hired him on as a blog writer. He now currently runs a radio show on Sportsnet 590 The Fan, called Real Kyper & Bourne, with former NHL veteran Nick Kypreos.

His wife, Breanna, is the daughter of the late Clark Gillies, who was teammates with Bourne's father, Bob, with the New York Islanders from 1974-86.

Bob Bourne runs a hockey camp every year in West Kelowna, while Justin's mother still has a house in the area.

A message from @jtbourne.

We love you, JB. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Vta2mYjLtj

— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) December 8, 2022

In the Twitter thread, Bourne discussed the effects alcohol abuse had on him, citing that it was passed down from his father.

"It turns out that if your father is both an alcoholic and a Stanley Cup winner, your odds of following in his footsteps down one path are far more likely than the other," Bourne said.

The book that Bourne will be releasing is titled Down and Back and will be available in Feb. of 2023, where Bourne said "on the 16th of that month I will be- somehow, impossibly-four years sober."

Here’s a sneak peak at the cover, and a link to check out if you’re curious to learn more. https://t.co/WjFE2KJ13c pic.twitter.com/0oKDDc4yto

— Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) December 8, 2022

A charitable portion of sales will go towards Renascent Canada, a Toronto-based addiction rehab centre.