A Nova Scotian NHLer is giving back to his community.
Yarmouth’s Ryan Graves is a defenceman for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He’s hosting the annual Ryan Graves Hockey School for about 100 kids at Mariners Centre this week.
The 30-year-old says it’s a high-level camp close to home.
“It is harder to be from a rural area and trying to play competitive hockey with travel. I was fortunate to take part in Jody Shelley’s camp years ago, and it’s nice these young players have an opportunity to do something similar,” said Graves, who’s been hosting the camp since 2019.
Some of the 100 young hockey players in attendance at the Ryan Graves Hockey School in Yarmouth on August 12, 2025 (Acadia News)
About to enter his eighth NHL season and third with the Penguins, Graves says he’s been training hard and is excited for camp.
“Working hard to stay in shape and routinely trying to get better. It might be a new pace with a different staff, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Graves had a goal and four points in 61 games with Pittsburgh last season.
He’s appeared in 433 regular season games with the Pens, New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche.
Graves is one of a growing number of NHLers to come from our province.
“It’s pretty cool to see that some of the top end talent in the world comes from this province. It goes to show much much people care about hockey here, and how hard people work.”
When asked about teammate Sidney Crosby heading to another Olympic games in February, Graves says he’s looking forward to watching the action.
“He’s one of the best to ever play. I looked up to him growing up and it’s an honour to play with him. Getting to watch him at the 4-Nations was amazing, and it’ll be no different with the Olympics.”
He’s also been sharing the Yarmouth hockey spotlight with Allie Munroe, who plays for the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL.
“I grew up playing with Allie, she was at the first camp we did here, and now she’s hosting her own here each year. She’s a good person and player, and a good role model for young girls and boys here in the area.”
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