Reed Larson was a professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 14 seasons. He was born on July 30, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up playing hockey in the state. Larson was known for his powerful slapshot and his ability to play both defense and forward positions.
Larson began his professional career in 1976 when he was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. He quickly established himself as a solid defenseman for the team, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team in his first season. Larson played for the Red Wings for eight seasons, from 1976 to 1984, and was named team captain in 1980.
In 1984, Larson was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he played for three seasons. He continued to be a strong player for the Bruins, scoring 20 goals in his first season with the team. Larson was then traded to the Edmonton Oilers in 1987, where he played for one season before being traded again to the New York Islanders. He played for the Islanders for two seasons before retiring from professional hockey in 1990.
Throughout his career, Larson was known for his powerful slapshot, which was one of the hardest in the league. He was also a solid defensive player, known for his physical play and ability to block shots. Larson was named to the NHL All-Star Team twice, in 1980 and 1981, and was a finalist for the Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL's top defenseman, in 1981.
After retiring from professional hockey, Larson remained involved in the sport as a coach and broadcaster. He coached the University of Minnesota-Duluth men's hockey team from 1990 to 1993 and later worked as a color commentator for NHL games on ESPN and Fox Sports Net.
Overall, Reed Larson had a successful career in the NHL, playing for four different teams and earning a reputation as a strong defenseman and powerful shooter. His contributions to the sport of hockey have been recognized through his induction into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996.
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