Grahame’s Olympic Pride From 2006 Winter Games Has Lasting Effect in Life After Hockey

Grahame embraced what he remembers as an honor: putting personal goals on hold in favor of a collective opportunity to wear the Red, White, and Blue.

Reserve Goalkeeper John Grahame #47 of United States watches the play during the quarter final of the men's ice hockey match between Finland and the United States during Day 12 of the Turin 2006 Winter Olympic Games at the Palasport Olimpico in Turin, Italy, on Feb. 22, 2006. Brian Bahr/Getty Images

For John Grahame, a member of Team USA Hockey in the 2006 Winter Games held in Turin, Italy, Olympic pride is difficult to define.

During the 2006 Winter Games, Grahame was one of three goalies on the roster whom coach Peter Laviolette welcomed aboard, representing America. Of the six games Team USA skated, Grahame received the nod to start in goal in the opening contest with Team Latvia. It is also the only Team USA game in the Olympics to end in a tie, 3–3.