Jennifer Botterill-Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, 4x Olympian, 3x Olympic gold medalist, and renowned Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster-invites readers into her world, on both sides of the arena glass. Guided by unwavering self-belief and brimming with sports psychology and inspiration, she urges all of us to ask ourselves, why not you?
From her debut as the youngest player on Team Canada at the first Olympics for women's ice hockey to becoming a mainstay on Hockey Night in Canada panels, Botts has relied on lessons learned as a child to pen her impressive resume. Inspired and taught by her performance psychologist father and Olympian mother, Jennifer learned early how to shift her mindset, focus on what she can control, and aim to improve the experience of those around her. Jennifer's journey is a testament to resilience and ambition; her Hall of Fame career encompasses some of the biggest moments in her sport's history-and on the biggest stages in hockey-but Jennifer has never been happy to just be there. She has always sought to make a significant impact, and make a mark on history. The result is an unmatched life in her sport, and the mother of three young girls is hardly done. Unafraid to voice strong opinions, Jennifer Botterill challenges traditional hockey culture and asks fans to consider what version of the game we wish to leave for our children.
Jennifer's narrative encourages readers to pursue their dreams with confidence and is bursting with performance psychology tips and strategies, making it a perfect gift for aspiring athletes and hockey fans alike. Why Not You captures an inspirational life in sport, the feel-good hockey narrative filled with hope and self-belief that Canadians love, and is a call-to-action to form a future of hockey that welcomes in all voices and players. Praise for Why Not You:
"Botterill's impressive statistics landed her in the HHOF and now her achievements are further memorialized in an inspiring read. If I could pen the title of this memoir, it would be Primary Assist. I greatly admire her hockey resume and subsequent successes, not to mention our collaboration on Hockey Night in Canada. Yet, for me, the crowning achievement of Botterill's life in sport stems from her appearance on Battle of the Blades in 2020, which I was proud to host, and for which she partnered with retired World and Olympic Champion pair skater Eric Radford. I think it speaks volumes that Radford's passion for skating was so revitalized in that window with Jennifer that it opened the door for his return to competitive skating in the Olympics. That is Jennifer's finest primary assist."
-Ron MacLean, CBC sportscaster and host of Hockey Night in Canada
"Botts was a teammate I could always rely on. She brought her best on the ice and played with great consistency. She was part of one of the greatest lines of all time alongside Hefford and Ouellette-they were such a force on the ice together and an integral part of Team Canada's success. She is such a kind person, and Why Not You shares the incredible story of a person who has reached the greatest heights in whatever she puts her mind to. I am excited for everyone to read about her journey."
-Cassie Campbell-Pascall, three-time Olympic gold medalist and broadcaster
"Jen's story is one of resilience, leadership, and passion for the game. Her impact on women's hockey spans generations, and this memoir is a powerful reflection of the person and trailblazer so many of us look up to."
-Sarah Nurse, Olympic gold medalist, three-time IIHF World Women's Championships gold medalist, and Vancouver Goldeneyes alternate captain
"I've witnessed Jen's preparation and dedication firsthand and know it's been a critical component to her success as a hockey player and broadcaster!"
-Kevin Bieksa, analyst for Hockey Night in Canada and former NHL player
"Why Not You is the uplifting story of how
