Representing Canada

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Seventeen-year-old Tessa Galandy has taken another massive step forward in her ringette career after being named to Team Canada’s Junior National Team for the 2025 World Ringette Championships in Lahti, Finland.

For Galandy, who started playing ringette at age six, this is the culmination of over a decade of dedication and love for the game. 

“We have family friends who were like cousins and they all played (ringette),” she said. “I wanted to be like them.”

After a standout performance in the fall of 2023 with the U18 Western Team Canada squad – where she tallied two goals and two assists in a historic win over Finland – Galandy made a strong case for inclusion at the next level. 

“It was probably one of my favourite sports experiences ever,” she recalled. “Our team just connected so well. I love the high-pressure, high-performance environment.”

Now officially part of the Junior National Team, Galandy described the moment she learned she made the roster. 

“I was very relieved. When the coaches told me, it was like a breath of fresh air,” she said. “It was calming to know that all the hard work over the last 13 years paid off.”

The road to the national team wasn’t easy. Galandy explained the tryout process in detail, including fitness testing, multiple intense on-ice sessions and the emotional final selection. 

“We (players) were all close, so it was hard being in that space knowing some of your friends wouldn’t make it,” said Galandy.

Looking ahead to competing in Finland, Galandy is both excited and focused. 

“I’m just really excited to compete and hopefully have close games,” she said. “I want to have tons of fun with my team.”

Her preparation includes more training camps, games against top competition and mental performance coaching. 

“We do mental training too. I just remind myself why I play, because I love it,” she said. “That helps me stay grounded.”

For younger players dreaming of representing their country her advice is simple: 

“Just know it’s possible,” she said. “There’s a high-performance pathway beyond high school if you love the sport.”

She also credits her community.

“I want to thank the Strathmore Ringette Association, Zone 2, my coaches, my parents and all the volunteers,” said Galandy. “They made this possible.”

As she heads to Lahti, Galandy represents not only her country, but the spirit of dedication and passion that defines Canadian ringette.