Ben Larson was part of three Colorado state championships playing for Valor Christian High School.

Now, the Denver native will have a shot to compete for a national junior title with the USPHL’s Atlanta MadHatters.

“I thought last season went really well for myself,” Larson said. “I definitely developed and got better as a player and a person. The team was pretty decent. We were a game off playoffs, but we had some gritty wins and it was overall a great experience.

“I’m expecting a great year this year. We have a good group of guys and a very knowledgeable coaching staff that are pouring everything they have into this team. Should be a great season.”

Larson said he began his hockey journey at DU, “and that’s where I fell in love with the game.”

“I eventually moved on to play two seasons of AAA at Evolution where I gained a lot of confidence from the coaching staff and really started to become a good hockey player,” said Larson. “After that, I went and played a year with the RoughRiders, which was a good experience. I then played four seasons at Valor Christian where I won three state championships and made great connections.”

It was at Valor that Larson’s game started an upward trend.

“The most influential coach I have ever had was George Gwozdecky (at Valor Christian),” Larson said. “He is by far the best coach in the state at the youth level and I learned so much about the game from him. I also credit him with a lot of the person I am today and everyone who has played under him can attest to the fact that he really taught us how to be men.”

Moving ahead, the possibilities are endless for Larson.

“As far as short-term goals, I hope to keep improving in hockey as well as a person,” said Larson. “I also want to grow in my faith. Long term, I’m hoping to play hockey in college and as far as a career goes, honestly, I have no idea.”

Photo/Steve Robinson 

— Matt Mackinder

(September 7, 2024)