On Monday, Hockey Canada announced that the coaching and support staff [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-s-jon-cooper-finalizes-team-canada-s-coaching-staff-for-2026-olympics] who helped lead the team to victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, will return for the 2026 Winter Games, scheduled for February 11–22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Among those named to Team Canada’s support staff is Tampa Bay Lightning mental performance coach, Dr. Ryan Hamilton. Hamilton has been with the Lightning since November 2014 and played a key role in supporting players and staff while they were away from their families during the 2020 COVID-19 season. He spent over nine weeks in the NHL bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton, a 65-day stretch that ended with the Lightning winning the Stanley Cup. “When we entered the NHL bubble, we talked about gratitude nearly every day," Hamilton said in a 2020 interview with Jason La Rose of Team Canada [https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2020-21-njt-staying-mentally-strong]. "Humility has been a key part of the identity of many Hockey Canada championship teams. Sometimes it's easy to focus on what is wrong, different or substandard. But even in the chaos and uncertainty there is so much to be thankful for." Hamilton also served on the Canadian staff during the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2020. “First, it is my job to teach athletes the mental skills that will allow them to perform at the top of their game on the biggest stages on earth. This isn't done through magic words; it's done through connection, wisdom and hard work.” So far, Hamilton joins Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois, Head Coach Jon Cooper, and forward Brayden Point, who has been named to Canada’s preliminary roster. Hamilton will serve as the team’s Mental Performance Consultant. “It was important to bring back our elite coaches and support staff from the 4 Nations Face-Off, as this is a group that provides familiarity to our team and brings a desire to help our athletes perform at their best,” said General Manager Doug Armstrong. “Each individual brings unique NHL and international experience to our team, and all staff members will play a key role in Team Canada’s preparation and performance. We know everyone is excited for the opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympic Winter Games and wear the Maple Leaf with pride in Italy.” Photo Credit: © Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
