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ABOUT
R&D
Nick Johnson and Dustin Kohn form a rare duo, combining their NHL-level playing experience with master's degrees in counselling and sports psychology. Their firsthand understanding of the pressures faced by elite athletes, coupled with their expertise in mental health, athlete development, and elite performance distinguishes them in the field. This rare combination enables them to provide athletes, coaches, and parents with unparalleled insight and support, helping athletes work toward their potential.
meet the team
nICK jOHNSON
Nick is a former professional hockey player, selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round of the 2004 NHL Draft. Over the course of his career, he played with the Penguins organization, as well as the Minnesota Wild, Phoenix Coyotes, and Boston Bruins, ultimately appearing in over 100 NHL games. Nick later competed in the Swedish Hockey League with the Växjö Lakers and Brynäs IF, where he concluded his nine-year professional playing career.
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Nick earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College in the Ivy League from 2004 to 2008. After retiring from hockey, he completed a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University.
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Nick is passionate about supporting athletes’ mental health and equipping them with personalized tools and strategies to achieve peak performance. He is also deeply committed to youth development, coaching at the community level to help young athletes thrive both in sports and in life.
Nick is a proud husband and father of four wonderful children.
Dustin KoHn
Dustin is a former professional hockey player who was drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round of the 2005 NHL Draft. During his career, Dustin played several seasons with the Islanders organization and also competed internationally in Sweden, the Czech Republic, and England.
Dustin remains actively involved in the hockey community through coaching and consulting and currently serves as the Player Development Coach for the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL.
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Dustin has a Master’s degree from the University of Alberta, specializing in Sport Psychology and Athlete Development. He also has an MBA from the University of Sheffield.
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Above all, Dustin is a husband to Kirsten and dad to Nella.
OUR
METHOD
Top athletes — those striving to reach their full potential — rely on proven methods to elevate performance. But real growth does not come from simply knowing the strategies; it comes from applying them with purpose, focus, and consistency. Every athlete has a unique story, shaped by their experiences, setbacks, beliefs, and aspirations. When performance dips, it’s not the end — it’s a signal to learn and adapt.
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Nick and Dustin have studied mental performance extensively, uncovering the keys to personal growth and peak performance. Rooted in these insights, the R&D Method is personalized for each athlete, aligning with their values, vision, and evolving journey.
ATHLETES WE WORK WITH
WHL
Western Hockey League
AHL
American Hockey League
NHL
National Hockey League
NLL
National Lacrosse League
AJHL
Alberta Junior Hockey League
OUR SERVICES
IndiVIDUAL
SESSIONS
1-on-1 sessions
built for individual athletes.
WORKSHOPS &
PRESENTATIONS
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Education for
athletes, coaches, teams, and advisors.
Unlimited 1-on-1 Access
1-on-1 sessions with athletes and their trusted inner circles. Personalized and on-going player development tracking.
