The NHL is celebrating women in hockey, and every week this season, NHL.com will highlight a woman from each of the 32 teams. Today, a look at Edmonton Oilers team nutritionist Tina Johnson:
Name: Tina Johnson
Job title: Team nutritionist
Education: MSc, CISSN, NSCA-CSCS, CSEP-CEP
Years of hockey experience: 18 years
Describe your job in 2-3 sentences
I have the privilege of working for a first-class organization where I help some of the best athletes in the world with their nutrition needs. I’m one of many professionals who make up our sports and performance team, specifically working closely with our performance chef to provide the team and staff with nutritious food options at the rink and on the road while aligning training and injury recovery needs throughout the year. I focus on in-season and off-season individuality to help players feel their best both on and off the ice to optimize performance and career longevity.
What career advice can you give others?
Start building relationships and networking in your respective field early on to help gain valuable connections and skills to becoming a professional. Job opportunities may arise based on these connections that otherwise may have never found themselves along your journey. Sometimes building these connections may seem a little intimidating, but they pay off! Continue to learn and grow by attending seminars, signing up for courses, and being open to where opportunities may take you in the future.
What motivates you to keep pushing and be successful?
I have the desire to get up and become a better version of myself every day. I continuously try to improve my intellectual and physical capacities by working out, learning, and surrounding myself with those who can challenge me, that I can learn, from and collaborate with.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the atmosphere when I’m at the rink! From the coaches, equipment, medical and support staff, strength and conditioning coaches and the kitchen crew -- everyone is supportive of one another and works as a team to provide the best possible care to the players and each other. Everyone is always appreciative of the effort that is brought forth every day and it’s very rewarding to be part of a team where everyone’s collective goal is the same!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Greece
What’s your favorite book?
“Unbroken”
One thing you can’t live without?
Sunshine
Do you collect anything?
Memories
What is your hobby outside of work?
Travel/adventure
