Italy Ready to Defy Expectations at Home Olympics, Larkin Says
By Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Italy’s men’s ice hockey team, the only side in the tournament without NHL players, are embracing their underdog status as they prepare for their first Olympic appearance in 20 years, according to captain Thomas Larkin.
While the return of NHL players has dominated headlines, Italy enters the competition without representation from the elite league. Larkin, however, sees this as an opportunity rather than a disadvantage.
“We’ll definitely be underestimated,” Larkin told Reuters. “But we have to use that as a strength, because other teams might expect an easy game. We definitely won’t see it that way.”
Italy’s last Olympic appearance, also as hosts in 2006, ended without a victory. Larkin, who watched that team as a child, hopes his side can inspire a new generation of Italian players, and perhaps achieve a historic win.
“It’s incredibly important for us,” he said. “We want to grow our sport, and show the world that maybe they underestimate us.”
At 35, Larkin is competing in his first—and likely last—Olympics. He emphasized the significance of savoring the moment. “For many of us, it has meant 20 or 30 years of work to reach this point, and it will go by quickly,” he said. “We have to live in the moment, appreciate everything, and make the most of these two weeks because they’ll fly by.”
Playing on home soil adds a personal dimension for Larkin. “My mum and her family grew up in Milan, all my cousins still live there,” he said. “I’m from Varese, about 40 minutes from Milan. So it’s a home Olympics, and that makes it even more special.”
Larkin is clear about how he wants his team to be remembered. “That we gave everything possible. That we fought until the end and gave absolutely all we have for our team and for Italy,” he said. “However the games end, I want to be proud knowing I left everything out on the ice.”
Italy will open the tournament against Sweden, with Slovakia and reigning champions Finland also in their group.
