Written by Ryan Hamilton (BA’00, MScExSS’03, PhD’11) on Feb. 8, 2026

My plane is presently descending into Toronto’s Pearson International Airport as I complete the first of my three-leg journey to Milan for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. I will be in Milan for 16 days working as the mental performance consultant with Canada’s Men’s Olympic Hockey team. Yes, my dreams have come true.

I’m not sure what this tournament is going to ask of the team, or of me professionally, but I am wholeheartedly committed to doing my very best for Canada by navigating every challenge and taking advantage of every opportunity we meet. We all know the expectation is gold, and it’s a privilege to work for a team with expectations like that.

I also know I am ready for these challenges, in large part because of my enduring affiliation with UNB. I’ve been on campus in some way, shape, or form for 30 consecutive years. I’ve been an undergraduate and graduate student, and a part-time and full-time professor. I’ve been a residence don, a varsity cross-country runner, a cellar pub patron, and a consultant with the varsity teams here.

My experiences at UNB have prepared me for the rich life I’m so grateful to live.

As a student, I had professors who challenged, mentored, and supported me. I became a capable researcher, teacher, and applied practitioner by the deep and nuanced education I received.

As a budding mental performance consultant, I had the opportunity to work with a host of amazing coaches who gave me the platform to do the work I’m so passionate about. Furthermore, they gave me a window into how they work, what they know about the psychology of sport, and what facilitating high performance should look like.

Today, as an associate professor in the department of psychology, I get to work with so many accomplished and supportive faculty members that I feel blessed every time I pull into the parking lot below Keirstead Hall. I appreciate the tangible and emotional support I receive from my colleagues; and much like our students, I am lucky to have you.

And finally, I am blessed with the opportunity to work with amazing students every time I enter Tilley 102, MacLaggan 105, or Bailey 146. Curious and driven in their own right, the students at UNB challenge me to continually evolve and challenge my own status quo. Based on what I see from our student body, I know the future is bright.

The Olympic men’s hockey team has a motto for these games: “From Canada, For Canada”. It’s a reminder of where we came from and what we are doing this for. But I can also relate to a motto of “From UNB, For UNB” a school that’s been a part of who I am for the entirety of my adult life.

So, as I sit here staring out the window at the urban sprawl of Mississauga, I can feel a building anticipation for the tremendous international adventure that awaits. And I am also aware of a feeling of deep gratitude to where I come from and the people that make it so very special.

This is my humble expression of thanks.

Go Canada!