Justin Davis was never a superstar. He was a journeyman player, one of tens of thousands, chasing the dream. And at almost every step, when hockey gave him something, it would also take something away.
Hockey exacts a heavy toll on many boys and young men — on their minds and their bodies. And then they’re told not to talk about any of it outside the locker room.
It’s enough to make you ask the question. Is this a sport? Or a cult?
Featured in this episode: Justin Davis
To learn more:
Conflicted Scars: An Average Player’s Journey to the NHL by Justin Davis
“Hockey Is Not for Everyone” by Akim Aliu in The Players’ Tribune
“Flying” by Stan Rogers
Credits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)
“I Am a Man Who Will Fight for Your Honor” by Chris Zabriskie, adapted.
Additional music from Audio Network
Sponsors: Better Help, Ecojustice
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CULTS 4 - The Cult Wars
CULTS 3 - MKUltra
CULTS 2 - Brother XII
CULTS 1 - Speak in Tongues
The End of Canadaland
Introducing our new season… Cults
Bonus - Game Misconduct
Bonus - Overtime
HOCKEY 7 - Blood on the Ice
HOCKEY 6 - The Problem Hockey Won’t Name
HOCKEY 5 - The Boys from Brampton
HOCKEY 3 - Iced Out
HOCKEY 2 - The Birth of Black Hockey
HOCKEY 1 - The Best Game You Can Name
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Bonus - Do Not Pass Go
Monopoly 17 - Food Fight
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