MILAN – U.S. men’s hockey team general manager Bill Guerin pointed to Dylan Larkin in what stepping up in big tournaments can do.
The Detroit Red Wings captain is at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where the American men begin their tournament with a preliminary round match against Group C cohort Latvia, on Thursday, Feb. 12 (3:10 p.m. ET, USA Network).
In recent years, Larkin has cemented his USA Hockey credentials through multiple World Championship appearances. Then came his play at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
“When we were playing in the Four Nations, Dylan’s game kept getting better and better and better as we went along.,” Guerin said. “And he proved what a big game player he can be.”
That tournament was an NHL creation. The Olympics have a history dating back to ancient times (albeit not for hockey) and are the biggest stage on the international scene. And Larkin is eager to get started.
“I think it’s perfect timing,” he said Wednesday. “We’ve gotten adjusted and we’ve had some fun and hung around the village, but now it’s time to play, and that’s why we’re here. I think with the guys we have and the camaraderie and the team talk, it’s easy for us to flip it over and get right into winning mode, because that’s what we’re here for.”
Based on practices, Larkin will start on a line with fellow former Wolverine Kyle Connor and Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson, and also be a part of the penalty kill.
The Americans have had three practices ahead of their first game. Off the ice, they have embraced the Olympic Athletes Village life – Larkin is rooming with U.S. captain Auston Matthews – and Larkin has embraced collecting pins.
“We’re having fun with it and meeting other athletes,” Larkin said. “It’s a cool experience and a cool tradition. I’m trying to collect as many pins as I can. I think the Dutch one is cool and the Swiss one.”
For Larkin, the early part of the Olympic experience has been outfitted with USA gear – and meeting Snoop Dogg, who is at the Games as one of the U.S.’ biggest fans.
“He’s probably one of the few people I’ve met that’s kind of larger than life,” Larkin said. “You look at him, he doesn’t even look real. It was an awesome experience. Getting to talk to him, and then there’s cameras around, and he can just like turn it on, and be in entertainer mode like right away. It’s pretty impressive.”
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dylan Larkin soaks up Winter Olympics vibes – and some Snoop Dogg
Reporting by Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
