Dylan Larkin ready for Olympic hockey debut with Team USA. [Image Source: HEAVY]
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is set to make his Olympicdebut with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina. The men’s ice hockey team will begin their campaign on February 12 against Team Latvia, marking a significant moment in Larkin’s career as he pursues Olympic gold.
Speaking about the upcoming tournament, Larkin called the Olympics “a dream” and
“truly a once in a lifetime opportunity,”
emphasizing the importance of mental and physical resilience in his preparations. His focus on strength reflects the dedication needed to compete at the highest international level.
Larkin Reflects on Last Year’s Overtime Loss as Motivation
The motivation driving Larkin stems from a painful near miss at last year’s 4 Nations tournament, where Team USA lost 3-2 in overtime to Canada in the finals. For Larkin, this defeat was
“probably the biggest loss I’ve gone through in my career”
and has fueled his determination every day since.
Looking back, Larkin said,
“I didn’t expect that to sting as much as it did, and I’m not saying that I didn’t think it was gonna be big, but it really felt like we lost a Stanley Cup final game, gold medal in the Olympics,”
adding,
“I’ve thought about the Olympics every day probably since then. I’m excited and I do think our group is so tight knit and special and we had such good chemistry at the 4 Nations that I just believe that there’s better for our group and I just don’t see our group not being successful.”
Confidence in Team USA’s Tight-Knit Chemistry and Talent
Larkin expressed strong confidence in Team USA’s roster, highlighting the camaraderie among the players and their shared goal of success. The group includes familiar faces, such as his former University of Michigan roommate Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes. He described Werenski as
“such a smooth skating defenseman that you give him the puck and he’s like a fourth forward out there.”
This close bond and collective talent give Larkin optimism about their chances in Milan, where he said,
Image of: Dylan Larkin
“I just don’t see our group not being successful.”
Larkin Balances Olympic Focus with Unexpected Acting Debut
In addition to gearing up for the Games, Larkin stepped outside his comfort zone by making his acting debut in a commercial for Charmin Ultra Strong. Though initially uncertain about his performance, he praised the production team for helping bring the vision to life.
He recalled,
“It’s not something where I feel like I’m good at it, or it’s not natural I should say. And they made me look so good because I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know if I have the energy or the acting skills to really bring what they want to life,’”
and added,
“But the team did such a good job with the script and it was such a pleasure to work with them and they really brought the whole vision to life. They really made me look good, that’s all I’ll say!”
Excitement Toward Experiencing the Olympic Environment
Larkin looks forward to more than just the competition, eager to engage with the Olympic Village and meet athletes from other sports. He expressed enthusiasm for attending speed skating events and supporting the USA Women’s hockey team, recognizing the Games as a unique and immersive experience.
He shared,
“I’m excited to experience the [Olympic] Village and meet other athletes and go to speed skating events and cheer on the [USA] Women’s hockey team,”
and called it,
“truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Still, his primary focus remains on representing Team USA on the ice. Larkin laughed and said,
“I’m also excited to play in the games because that’s what we’re really there for. We have a special team and a lot of great players.”
Larkin’s Strong NHL Season Fuels Olympic Ambitions
On the domestic front, Larkin’s form with the Detroit Red Wings has been impressive this season. The team currently ranks near the top of the Atlantic Division, and Larkin himself is on track for one of his best scoring campaigns, having accumulated over 25 goals and 50 points so far.
“We’ve been together for a few years now and we’ve just added pieces. Picking up [goalie] John Gibson has been such a great addition and he’s won us so many games already,”
and continued,
“We’ve been through some tough times together and it was only a matter of time until we turned the corner. Over time players get better. Lucas [Raymond] and Moritz Seider, they’ve gotten better and it’s helped our team and really taken the load off of myself and some of the other veterans and really coming into their own as star players.”
Local Hero Leadership: Larkin’s Deep Michigan Roots
A native of Waterford, Michigan, Dylan Larkin has spent his entire hockey journey in his home state, from youth leagues and college hockey at the University of Michigan to 10 NHL seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Named team captain in 2021, Larkin has become a cornerstone of the franchise and a hometown icon.
He expressed pride in his unique path, saying,
“I am proud to kind of have had the path that I’ve had and understand how lucky I am — not many players get to play their whole careers at home,”
and added,
“And, I’ve got to experience that and I definitely don’t see myself leaving until I’m done playing. I’d love to finish my career here.”
Team USA’s Opening Match and What Lies Ahead
Team USA men’s hockey will face Latvia in their first game of the preliminary round on February 12 at 3:10 PM ET. As Larkin and the squad prepare to compete against strong international opposition, the pressure and expectations will test their resilience and skill.
With the lingering memory of 2025’s narrow loss driving their determination, the team, led by Larkin’s passionate leadership, is focused on turning past heartbreak into Olympic glory. The blend of experienced NHL players and a close-knit group promises an intense, hopeful journey in the quest for a gold medal.
