I covered hockey for a few years in the late '90s and early 2000s for the 'Colorado Springs Gazette,' and I covered the Avalanche for some of the glory years. I've done hockey off and on as a sportswriter but never played it. John Branch 2000s90savalanche share on social
From a distance, at a time of urbanization and connectivity, rodeo and ranching may seem anachronistic notions - quaint and sepia-toned from an America that no longer exists. John Branch americaanachronisticconnectivity Change image and share on social
Rodeo careers can end without warning, as quick as the next try at an eight-second ride. John Branch careerendquick Change image and share on social
Every story I do is about people. It's my survival instinct - one person, one story. John Branch instinctpeopleperson Change image and share on social
The fighting in the NHL, especially, and, I think, in some of the minor leagues, it's usually the loudest and the most excited the crowd gets during the entire the game. John Branch crowdentireexcite Change image and share on social
I don't really love writing. I don't love the feeling of starting a new file. But I love the feeling of overcoming and accomplishing. John Branch accomplishfeltfile Change image and share on social
I grew up with 'The Denver Post' and the 'Golden Transcript.' There was never a moment that I thought I'd work at the 'New York Times.' My goal, starting out, was just to see if I could be a journalist. John Branch denvergoalgolden share on social
Saddle bronc is the quintessential rodeo sport - not the chaos of bull riding or the thrashing of bareback riding. It might be harder than both. John Branch barebackbroncbull Change image and share on social
I had to find stories no one else was writing, so I got away from the quarterback and the coach. I'm still looking for stories no one else has written. John Branch coachfindquarterback Change image and share on social
I found during my time covering the NHL that the enforcers were some of the most accessible guys and the most low-key guys. I think that's somewhat of a natural thing. I don't know if that's because it's the big guy that everybody fears, and then you're sort of surprised and taken by the fact that he's actually a nice guy. John Branch accessiblebigcover share on social