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  If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.