MILAN – Dylan Larkin glided toward the boards, dropped to one knee, and raised his right fist triumphantly as he got the U.S. off to a strong start on Friday night with a goal just 4:19 into the match against Slovakia.
The exhilaration of scoring when Larkin sent a black puck into the net with his CCM stick is a feeling that never fades, and he hopes that young hockey players retain that sense of joy as they progress in their careers.
Even at the highest levels of competition, that thrill can resonate regardless of age, whether playing in a backyard with friends or on the grandest stage of the Olympic Winter Games.
Larkin stressed the importance of maintaining the love for hockey during the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Orientation Camp.
“More than a kid may realize, but if you have that burning desire to play hockey, it's going to take you even further than you realize,” Larkin stated. “It will be more enjoyable and fun. Hockey is fantastic because it fosters life skills and relationships, and the hockey community is genuinely a small circle. You never know what opportunities may come your way, but it must come from you, and it has to be something you are passionate about.”
Now, the excitement is set to increase for Larkin, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, and fans across the nation as the U.S. triumphed over Slovakia, 6-2, to secure a spot in the gold-medal match of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The United States of America vs. Canada.
Sunday at 8:10 a.m. ET
Live on NBC and Peacock.
“It’s going to be a battle of the ages,” Larkin remarked. “I think everyone seemed to want the U.S. – Canada final. Hopefully, it's generating some excitement, and people are looking forward to Sunday as much as we are.
Larkin initiated the U.S. scoring on Friday night not only with his goal but also through his effective forechecking, faceoff proficiency, and penalty-killing efforts.
Team captain Auston Matthews referred to Larkin as a Swiss Army knife following the U.S. 2-1 victory over Sweden, where Larkin redirected a Jack Hughes shot for the opening goal and played a crucial role on the penalty kill.
Friday served as another perfect illustration of Larkin’s all-around game.
Larkin and his teammates successfully killed off two penalties in the first period, and Tage Thompson added a late power-play goal to give the U.S. some breathing room for the remainder of the match.
“He’s a player you can place in any role or situation, and he will accomplish the task,” captain Auston Matthews stated. “He is solid defensively. He poses an offensive threat. He skates well. He checks effectively. He is extremely responsible. He is a Swiss Army knife out there. It is special to witness.”
The second period saw the floodgates open as Jack Hughes scored twice and Jack Eichel added another goal.
"I believe in myself more than anyone,” Hughes stated. “No matter where I was positioned coming into this, I knew I would perform well. I am pleased to be contributing and thrilled that we have a chance at a gold medal."
Eichel recognizes that the U.S. vs. Canada finale will be a significant challenge between two powerhouse teams.
“Two best teams in the tournament right now, both teams are undefeated, and we have an opportunity to win a gold medal and achieve something special,” Eichel said. “It is a fantastic chance for our group, and I am really excited about our performance and the opportunity we have on Sunday.
“It’s going to be a competitive game with back-and-forth action. It won’t be easy, but we are prepared for a demanding contest. We will give everything we have.”
Larkin leads the Olympics with a .763% faceoff percentage (29-of-38), while teammate Vincent Trocheck ranks second at .696% (32-of-46).
Larkin, Trocheck, and the United States penalty kill unit are 15-for-15 in five games.
“We’ve improved with each game,” Trocheck stated. “At first, we were adjusting to the rhythm and the system, as everyone was coming from different teams, but we’ve gotten better, and I like our current position.”
Larkin’s journey from youth rinks in the Detroit area to the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team is one he will always cherish.
It has also been quite nerve-wracking, he candidly admitted.
“That is as nervous as I have ever been in a hockey game,” Larkin said after the U.S. thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Sweden. “The nature of 3-on-3 in overtime requires being opportunistic. Anything can happen, especially with the ice conditions.
“That was as intense and tightly contested a game as I have probably ever played.”
Larkin understands that Sunday will be the culmination of a rematch that fans have anticipated since last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off. It will require a complete effort, but it could hinge on a single moment.
“It’s going to take that one shot,” Larkin stated. “It will take that one performance. And that one player to step up and deliver the game of their life. Hopefully, it's generating some excitement, and people are looking forward to Sunday as much as we are.”
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