BOSTON—American centre Dylan Larkin scored the biggest goal of his life at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Saturday with the winner against Canada in Montreal.
The thing is, there’s another world in which Larkin might have scored for Canada.
Dylan’s father, Kevin, is from Scarborough, but moved to the States to play soccer at the University of Southern Indiana, eventually settling in Michigan where Dylan was born.
His grandmother still lives in the east pc28neighbourhood. She was converted to a Detroit Red Wings fan after a lifetime of cheering for the Maple Leafs.
His uncle Jimmy represented Canada internationally in soccer as a goalie.
“My uncle Jimmy wanted to play for Ireland, because my grandfather was from Ireland,” said Larkin. “But my (grandfather, also named Jim) told him: No, you’re playing in the country you were born in.
“And that’s how it was for us. My dad was stern on that. I’m so happy that was the case.”
Dylan Larkin of Team USA hits Canada’s Sidney Crosby during Saturday’s 4 Nation’s Face-Off battle in Montreal.
Minas Panagiotakis Getty ImagesLarkin started with the U.S. national development program in 2012, first representing his country in an under-17 tournament.
The Red Wings captain has emerged as a difference maker for an American side that should be the favourite over Canada in the final on Thursday night at TD Garden.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve won something,” said Larkin. “There’s some guys in here that are in the same boat. Especially after how Saturday unfolded, there’s a lot on the line, and I expect it to be a great hockey game.”
The U.S. and Maple Leafs captain had just one assist in the round robin and missed the Americans’ last game. But his teammates aren’t concerned.
The U.S. and Maple Leafs captain had just one assist in the round robin and missed the Americans’ last game. But his teammates aren’t concerned.
He said he was tickled when he woke up from a pre-game nap on Monday to learn Canada had clinched a spot in the final.
“I wasn’t surprised, to be honest with you,” said Larkin. “They’re a heck of hockey team and it was such a great game Saturday, and we’re gonna have to match that compete level and be ready for those guys. They’re gonna be extremely hungry, and they don’t want to lose two to us ...
“It’s going to be a competitive hockey game. I think there’ll be some nerves, but I hope it’s that level that it was in Montreal.”
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