Ben Steiner: Contributor
Botchford meant a lot to me. Especially as an up and coming member of the sports media community. When I was 10 years old I did a Canucks “reporter for a day” experience and that was the first time I met Jason.
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Even to a 10-year-old he was welcoming, mentor-like and took me seriously despite my age.
Years went by before I would see him again. I am sure he forgot about me at that time, but his first impression stuck with me. When I started to take writing more seriously I reached out to him again, and he was insanely helpful. He helped edit some of my work, told me how to improve and began to teach me to write in his style.
This winter I was covering the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League, and was lucky enough to share the seat in Rogers Arena press box with one of the best. Throughout my coverage, I even tried writing using his “Athletties” style; GIFing key events and highlighting game snippets.
I will miss his mentorship, personality, as well as his hardworking ethic and no shortcut attitude. Jason made me a better writer and a better person. It will be weird being around the stadium knowing he’s not there yelling, but he will always be there in my thoughts.
Matthew Zator: Contributor
After reading all the stories about Jason Botchford and how he interacted with bloggers/podcasters, I regret not starting my journey earlier. I wish I could have interacted with him and picked his brain.
His legacy will live on with the provies/athletties and his many great articles. I always looked forward to reading them. He was a central media figure in Canucks Twitter, Hockey Twitter, Vancouver and Canada, as well as a passionate fan. If I become even a quarter of what he was, I will be happy.