17 May On Jen and Josh
As many of you have seen or heard, Puck Daddy lost Jen Neale and Josh Cooper last night due to budgetary considerations, which also affected the job status of others around Yahoo.
It sucks, majorly, but it’s the reality of our surroundings in the sports media these days. There aren’t many details to get into beyond what Jen and Josh have shared, or plan on sharing going forward. Suffice it to say, if given the chance, I’d work with them again in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself.
Cooper is one of the most personable individuals I’ve ever encountered. He entered digital media after working in print, hit some bumps and worked his ass off to find his voice. He did important work and engaging work, and I marvel at the way he was able to make connections around the NHL without being on a specific beat, from agents to general managers to those in the League. He’s super talented, and we’re going to miss him, but he’s going to make another spot really happy they brought him on.
Also, the dude can quote “The Room” chapter and verse. It’s eerie.
Jen, simply put, was one of the most important hires we made in the last nine years. Her writing was vibrant. Her insight was offbeat. Her experiences were different than those you’d come across in the hockey media. And her input on decisions internally, whether it was how to tackle an issue or simply a diverse voice in the editorial process, was vital.
It’s not lost on us how important her role was, and it’s obvious from the reactions to her note on Twitter last night that her presence meant something to so many readers. Jen had to put up with metric ton of shit in this industry and always handled it with exceptional grace. She’s a great friend, and the kind of person one strives to emulate.
As everyone else does in this industry when changes happen, we press on through challenges and try to exceed the standards of coverage you’ve come to expect from Puck Daddy. Even if, today, we do so with a heavy heart.
Thanks for reading and supporting our silly blog,
– Wysh