Meet Nick Johnson: From the NHL to Sports and Performance Mental Health Coach and Advocate

Apr 24

3 min read

As a former professional athlete (having played in the ultra competitive NHL), I intimately understand the immense pressures and mental hurdles that accompany peak performance in a fiercely competitive field.

I hope that you will enjoy learning more about me and my journey as I hope to learn more about you.

MY STORY

Hailing from Calgary, Alberta Canada, my journey began like that of countless other kids in Canada; playing hockey on the driveway and frozen ponds, fueled by dreams of one day gracing the ice of the NHL. This dream began to materialize after playing junior hockey in 2004 when I was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round.

Prior to my professional career, I pursued both athletics and academics at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Transitioning to the professional scene, I signed with Pittsburgh and immediately enjoyed an intense journey to the AHL's Calder Cup finals (with the Wilkes Barre Penguins) in 2008.

Early in 2010, I received the call to play my inaugural NHL game in Pittsburgh against the Washington Capitals, culminating in the thrill of scoring my first NHL goal. Gradually, I earned a spot with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but my career was threatened by a significant concussion in the early parts of 2011. During the next few months, improving my own mental health would become a priority; but it also became extremely apparent to me that many hockey players and athletes were struggling with their mental health as well. That summer of 2011, several from the hockey community died of suicide or overdose. It struck me that helping others with their mental health would be my calling once my professional playing days would end.

After that summer, I re-signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins but was subsequently claimed on waivers by the Minnesota Wild, a new and exciting adventure where I had the absolute privilege of representing the Wild as a Rookie All-Star at the NHL All-Star game held in Ottawa.

After enjoying the grind that is North American professional hockey for a few more seasons (played with the Coyotes and the Bruins), my wife and I made the decision to join the Växjo Lakers in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where we were crowned the Swedish Champions and won the "SM-Guld". Subsequently, we moved to Brynäs IF in Gavle, Sweden where I would close out my professional career by winning an SM-Silver Medal in my final game.

Upon returning to Canada with my next chapter in mind, I helped raise my two oldest daughters while pursuing and finishing a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University. Having attained this masters degree, I felt more able than ever to aid in supporting individuals in both their mental and emotional well-being but also their athletic striving for excellence.

Through my journey with its sports experiences and theoretical and applied knowledge, I have garnered invaluable insights into the psychological intricacies of peak performance, resilience in the face of adversity, and the importance of wholistic and solid mental health for achieving one's vision.

Even though I've moved on from my elite professional days, I still spend countless hours at rinks and sporting facilities, cheering on my four children alongside my wonderful wife. It is a joy to be on the other side of the professional game with strong mental health, while pursuing a career most dear and precious to me.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

2017 Silver Medalist, Brynäs IF, Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
2016 Player with Most Goals, Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
2015 Gold Medalist, Växjö Lakers, Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
Player with Best +/- Rating, Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
2014 Assistant Team Captain, Providence Bruins Hockey
2012 NHL All-Star Game – Selected for Rookie All-Star Team representing the Minnesota Wild
2010 Scored first NHL goal against the Washington Capitals in NHL debut
2008 Runner-Up AHL Calder Cup Playoffs (Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pens)
2008 Team Captain, Dartmouth College Hockey
2008 Ivy-League Academic Honors
2008 Ivy-League First-Team Selection
2007 Ivy-League Champions, Dartmouth College Hockey
2006 ECACHL Champions, Dartmouth College Hockey
2005 Ivy-League Rookie of the Year, Dartmouth College Hockey
2004 CJAHL Player of the Year, Canadian Junior A Hockey League & Hockey Canada
2003-2004 Team Assistant Captain, AJHL St. Albert Saints Hockey
Alexander Rutherford High School Achievement Scholarship