The Toronto Star’s Kevin McGran discusses Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s complicated family history, which began in Ireland and made stops in Scarborough, Ontario and the University of Southern Indiana before coming to Metro Detroit:
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 Toronto neighbourhood. 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.”
Larkin 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.”
Continued; good luck tonight, captain Larkin…
