McElmury played for the American national team several times during his career. His first tournament was the 1970 World Championship, where the United States played in Pool B, the second tier. The Americans were promoted for the 1971 World Championship and McElmury returned for that, playing 10 games and scoring 2 goals. He also played at the 1972 Winter Olympics, helping the United States win a silver medal; McElmury played 6 games and had 1 assist. McElmury's last international tournament was the 1977 World Championships, recording 5 points in 10 games.