Former NHL Player Nick Johnson
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In this heartfelt episode of the Two Months Hockey Podcast, host Joshua Marshall welcomes former NHL player Nick Johnson, who shares his journey from professional hockey to founding R&D Performance, a mental performance and development consultancy for youth athletes. Johnson reflects on his NHL career, the mental health challenges he faced, and how his personal faith and psychological training helped him rebuild his identity beyond hockey. He and his business partner Dustin focus on helping young athletes navigate the pressures of elite sports, emphasizing mental resilience, holistic development, and the importance of not tying self-worth to athletic success. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of youth hockey, the dangers of over-privileging certain pathways, and the need for mental health conversations in locker rooms and families. Johnson also discusses how faith, community, and purpose have anchored his life and work, offering a model of growth that extends beyond sports. The episode closes with a call to action for parents and athletes to prioritize mental well-being and long-term fulfillment over short-term outcomes.
Athlete identity should not be the sole source of self-worth; cultivating a broader life purpose improves performance and resilience.
Mental health struggles are common and normal—seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Youth sports are increasingly expensive and competitive; families should focus on long-term development over single-pathway success.
Faith and spiritual grounding can provide deep emotional stability and purpose, especially during setbacks.
R&D Performance offers virtual and in-person mental performance coaching for youth athletes, with a focus on holistic growth and team culture.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Introduction to Nick Johnson
Host Joshua Marshall introduces Nick Johnson, former NHL player and founder of R&D Performance, setting the tone for a meaningful conversation about mental health, identity, and youth development in hockey.
Life After Hockey: Family & Business
Johnson shares insights into his life with four children, his wife’s career, and how he’s building a business focused on youth athlete development, emphasizing balance and presence.
From NHL to Mental Health Advocacy
Johnson discusses his academic background in psychology, his post-NHL transition into counseling, and the catalyst—mental health struggles in the hockey world—that led him to co-found R&D Performance.
R&D Performance: Mental & Holistic Development
Johnson explains how R&D Performance blends sports psychology, skill development, and life coaching, using technology and team workshops to support youth athletes across Alberta.
The Changing Landscape of Youth Hockey
Johnson critiques the rising costs and privatization of youth hockey, highlighting how pressure to join elite programs can leave many kids behind and damage mental health.
“Am I worthwhile? Am I good enough? Am I a good person? Should I affirm myself? Do I have the license to do that?”
“If the kid loves it, the kid wants to keep working and they like the work, then like, you're going to get a whole ton out of the game.”
“You know, it's not exactly barns aren't exactly like cute places like they're kind of dirty. They're smelly like they're not there. It's like raw, right? It's real life like and God coming down writing himself into history for us.”
Host
Guest
Nick Johnson
person
Joshua Marshall
person
R&D Performance
organization
Jesus
person
Dustin
person
Bible
book
Edmonton
place
Kentwood Ford
organization
Alberta
other
Hockey Ministries
organization
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