When Jack Hughes highlighted the importance of American brotherhood in USA’s Olympic gold medal victory, he was echoing the sentiments of Dylan Larkin, a true believer in the power of team unity. Larkin embodies the spirit of camaraderie, a teammate for life, and someone who values the bond shared on and off the ice.
In Milan, Larkin showed his commitment by embracing the No. 3 center role with enthusiasm. Known for being a future six-time 30-goal scorer, he excelled in checking, winning faceoffs, and killing penalties, treating these tasks as crucial responsibilities.
While there may be more naturally gifted players, Larkin's dedication is unmatched. In the gold medal game, he took a hard hit from Canadian forward Tom Wilson but shook it off, logging over 16 minutes of ice time. His seven minutes in the third period were vital as the Americans held on for overtime, including a key penalty kill when Jack Hughes was in the box.
Larkin's impact was felt during a critical 5-on-3 penalty kill in the second period. Winning a defensive zone faceoff, he helped settle the team and thwart the Canadian attack. Offensively, he contributed two crucial goals, each opening the scoring for the U.S., and finished the tournament as a plus-3.
In the decisive overtime, Larkin was one of the four Americans on the ice when Jack Hughes scored the game-winner, underscoring his role as a defensive stalwart.
Larkin's influence extends beyond the ice. His leadership, though unofficial, is evident.
He’s a respected figure among teammates, including the Tkachuk and Hughes brothers, Zach Werenski, and Jack Eichel. His positivity and ability to uplift those around him are well-regarded.
Quinn Hughes shared a story of Larkin's mentorship, highlighting his ethos of giving back to the game.
The American team embodied this brotherhood, honoring Johnny Gaudreau, a top candidate for the team who tragically passed away. After the victory, they carried his jersey in tribute. Larkin and Werenski even brought Gaudreau’s children onto the ice for the team photo, reinforcing the sense of family and obligation.
While the team had no shortage of scorers, Dylan Larkin was chosen for his heart and leadership, proving that sometimes the most valuable contributions aren’t just on the scoreboard.