Mcgill redbird larkin heads to innsbruck for british hockey debut

Patrick Larkin, a defensive forward from Swindon, is set to make his international bow for Great Britain at the inaugural Ultimate Hockey 3x3 tournament in Innsbruck, Austria – a pivotal event marking the start of the ‘Breaking the Ice’ tour and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Winter Games.

Rising star larkin ready for international stage

The 25-year-old International Development Studies major, previously competing in the IIHF European Cup of Nations in Poland, brings a solid track record to the competition, having recorded a goal and an assist in three games. Larkin’s experience with McGill University – four seasons and 82 games – provides a strong foundation for this ambitious venture.

Family legacy fuels ambition

Larkin’s father, Bryan Larkin, was a celebrated All-Canadian defenceman for the Redbirds and now holds a prestigious place in the McGill Sports Hall of Fame. This connection to a renowned hockey lineage undoubtedly adds weight to Larkin’s aspirations.

A new format, a new challenge

The tournament will feature a fast-paced three-on-three format, two 12-minute periods, and will see Great Britain pitted against a formidable field including Austria, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands. With a roster including experienced players like Kell Beattie and a talented goaltending duo – Blakeley and McGowan – Larkin’s presence signifies a significant step for British hockey.

But the stakes extend beyond mere participation; it’s an opportunity to establish a new benchmark for the sport on the world stage. Larkin’s performance in Innsbruck will undoubtedly be closely watched, not just by his teammates, but by the entire hockey community.