For Larkin, being part of the group of talented Americans that won their country its first gold medal in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” club did so at the 1980 Lake Placid Games means so much, especially as a product of the United States National Team Development Program.
“Forty-six years, and I think I mentioned it to Kaner and JVR as well, that was for a lot of people,” Larkin said. “That was for ourselves. It was for our country, but it was also for the guys that wore the jersey and didn’t get the job done. The brotherhood of USA Hockey is special, because those guys were cheering us on to do it. They were pulling for us and encouraging us. That means a lot. There’s no jealousy or anything like that. It’s just guys that wanted our country to win, and we were able to do it.”
Patrick Kane said he believes no one is more deserving than Larkin to secure a gold medal for the red, white and blue.
“Just the way he played at 4 Nations and the Olympics, obviously really fit into his role really well there,” Kane said. “Played some great hockey. I think that’s probably the guy I’m most happy for with his love and appreciation of USA Hockey. Not only that, but as a Red Wing teammate too, and what he brings to the organization and how much he cares.”
Above all, the Waterford, Mich., native emphasized what he’s taking with him from the Olympics is the powerful theme of family and its importance in his life.
“I do have to give a mention to the Gaudreau family, Meredith and Mr. and Mrs. Gaudreau, Meredith’s brother, and obviously Johnny [Jr.] and Noa,” Larkin said. “That was pretty special. Zach Werenski said, ‘Let’s go grab them and bring them into the picture.’ There’s so many moments over the last 48 hours that are pretty cool, but that one for me was probably No. 1. And of course, No. 2 was seeing my daughter… It was a good thing I had a hold of the medal. She held onto it, then tried to throw it. She’s at that phase in her life right now, but we got a cool picture of her holding it for the first time.”