In this episode of the Gnar Stool Podcast, we sit down with Doug Davidson, Associate Director of Sports Performance and Strength & Conditioning Coach for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. Doug takes us from his early days in the Ottawa Valley, where sports shaped his identity, to his current role helping some of the world’s best hockey players perform at their peak.

We dig into the art and science of strength and conditioning, tracing how Doug’s time in university rugby and internships at top training facilities shaped his coaching philosophy. He breaks down the unique physical demands of hockey, the value of individualized training programs, and the physiological adaptations athletes need to excel in such a fast-paced, high-contact sport.

Doug also shares the recovery protocols and nutrition strategies that keep players sharp through the grind of an NHL season. Packed with insights on performance, resilience, and what it takes to train at the highest level, this conversation is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone fascinated by human performance.