World Lacrosse is highlighting its All-World athletes from past world championships to celebrate their outstanding performances.
Graeme Hossack is a three-time selection to the World Team at World Lacrosse championships for Canada as a defenseman. He was first honored at the 2018 Men’s Championship in Netanya, Israel, then at the 2019 Men’s Box Championship in Langley, Canada, and once again at the 2023 Men’s Championship in San Diego, United States.
Hossack has won gold twice with Canada, at the 2019 and 2024 Men’s Box Championships.
He currently plays in both the Premier Lacrosse League and National Lacrosse League, having appeared in seven PLL campaigns and nine NLL campaigns. Hossack was named the PLL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and the NLL Defensive Player of the Year in three consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2020.
Canada ended the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship with the third best goals-against-average, allowing under six goals a game through seven contests. Opponents scored on just 26% of their shots against Canada with only 57% of their shots on goal.
Hossack is widely considered as one of the best defenders in the game.
Below is a Q and A with Hossack and World Lacrosse:
What are you most proud of when it comes to representing Canada internationally?
Having the opportunity to represent Canada on the national stage is something I am very proud of. Years of dedication and sacrifice have gone into becoming the player I am today and to be recognized to represent my nation is a huge honour. It’s such a great organization to be included in. Having the opportunity to inspire young players to follow their dreams to play at that level, just as I was inspired when I was younger, is truly special.
What is your favorite team memory in your international experience?
One international experience that really stands out to me is one from before I ever played for team Canada myself. It was watching Canada win gold in 2006 in London, Ontario with my brother, Matt, and my Mom, Jocelyn [at the men’s field championship]. Being able to watch players like Brodie Merrill, John Grant Jr., Geoff Snider, Shawn Williams, Gary Gait, Colin Doyle, and Billy Dee Smith just to name a few, was really memorable. It’s really neat to think about how many of the people and players involved with that team went on to impact my own career, whether that was as a teammate or a coach.
What is your favorite part about your own game?
I try to focus on playing a tactical and physical game with a defense-first mentality. So when it comes to my own game, some of my favorite parts are the little things like loose balls and blocked shots. I also appreciate the smart energy plays, like big stops in big moments, that demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice to win.
What do you think is one underrated secret/tip to succeeding at defense and shutting down talented attackers?
You’re playing against a person that has naturally very good instincts for the goal. As a defender, my goal is to make it so they aren’t comfortable going to the net or having the ball in their stick. Playing together as a unit and trusting your team system is important, so you’re forcing the offensive player to where you have support/ help and are only giving up the shots that your goalie wants to see.
What are you excited most about in your future (and the team’s future) in the international realm?
I always look forward to seeing the young players at the Canada selection camp. It’s exciting to watch players I’ve seen play at the college level show their talents and play at the highest level.
I am excited to win gold at a World Lacrosse field championship, which is still a goal for me.
I am also excited to watch my son experience the game of lacrosse, whether that’s through playing or watching, and create special memories around the game as I did growing up.
