What Being an Ice Hockey Goalie Taught Graham Ritchie About Cross-Country Skiing

When Graham Ritchie walked into the stadium at the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, he knew he wouldn’t be racing that day. He was the alternate for Canada’s men’s relay team, a role that often goes unnoticed. But for Graham, being part of the team wasn’t about standing on the start line. It was about being there for his teammates, helping wherever he was needed, and celebrating their success, no matter what. 

Growing up in Parry Sound, Ontario, Graham spent countless hours at the rink. He loved the energy, the camaraderie, and the shared highs and lows. “If the game gets chippy, you want to be there to back your teammates up,” he says. “If you win, you’re all happy together. And if you lose, you’re all sad together. I think that was just a really cool part of playing hockey.” 

While most cross-country skiers who represent Canada at an Olympic Games started skiing almost as early as they started walking, Graham didn’t start cross-country skiing until he was 18 years old.  

“I think I learned pretty valuable lessons growing up playing team sports instead of individual sports,” Graham says. “There are only two goalies on a hockey team, so only one can start. If you’re not the starting goalie, you’re sitting on the bench opening the door. You’re still on the team, you still play an important role, and how you act in those moments can help motivate and push your teammates who are on the ice.” 

That lesson translates perfectly to skiing. “There’s only two people in a team sprint, four people on a relay. If you’re in that team, it’s great, but if you’re not you still have a role and responsibility to play in how your teammates perform that day.” 

Graham Ritchie celebrates Pierre Grall-Johnson’s qualification for the heats at the Canmore WC.

This was exemplified at the 2025 World Championships. Graham was named as an alternate for Canada’s men’s relay team. Antoine Cyr, Xavier McKeever, Max Hollmann, and Olivier Léveillé were selected to start in the relay, and while Graham had played a pivotal role in the last two World Championships teams, he would have a different role during the team relay. He warmed up like usual, then found ways to help, holding spare poles, water belts and clothes, and cheering from the sidelines. “You’re still right in there feeling all the same emotions,” he says. “You’re just as connected with the team as if you’re racing.” 

When the Canadian men crossed the finish line in fifth place, Graham was one of the first to congratulate them. “I just remember seeing they would be fighting for a top-five finish, and rushing to the finish line to make sure I was there to congratulate the boys.” His smile was as wide as theirs. “You want to support everyone and be a positive influence on the team. You never want to bring any of them down.” 

The Men’s Relay team celebrates a 5th place finish at the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships

As Graham looks toward the 2026 Olympics, his motivation is clear. “I’ve never really thought about consciously always doing things to be a good teammate,” he says. “I think it’s just kind of a natural thing, almost, where you just want to support everyone and be positive.” That natural instinct is what makes Graham a cornerstone of Team Canada’s culture. He races for his teammates; he races for those whose work behind the scenes makes every stride possible. He races for his family and friends back home, and for the community that raised him. 

Hockey and skiing have taught him the same lesson: being part of a team isn’t about ice time or start lists. It’s about commitment, connection, and showing up for the people you care about.