By Steve Schreck, Tribune Sports Writer
September 17, 2015
Matthew Larson, a junior at C.M. Russell High, is a forward on the Great Falls Americans Junior A hockey team. After moving from his hometown of Anchorage, Alaska to Great Falls a few weeks ago, he attended his first day of school Wednesday. His brother, Josh, played on the team last year and is expected to be a key contributor again this season.
Q: How did you get started in the game of hockey?
A: My brother was playing when I was a little kid and I just wanted to play. I took skating lessons when I was like 3 and have been skating ever since.
Q: Have you and Josh played a lot of hockey together?
A: This is our first team together. He’s a way more skilled player than me, so we don’t really get to play together that much. It’s pretty fun playing fun with him, though. I like seeing him on the ice and stuff.
Q: Have you talked to Josh about what to expect?
A: It’s still a little weird. I’ve never been away from Anchorage. It’s different. I get to meet new people, though, and it’s a smaller city than Anchorage.
Q: It gets pretty cold here, too.
A: Yeah, it gets pretty cold, I bet. But it’s cold in Alaska, too, so I’ll be used to it.
Q: Are you excited to get this season going and play with your brother?
A: Yeah, I’m pretty excited. I’ve been wanting to play with my brother for a long time and I have the chance now, so it should be fun.
Q: And you’ve never played with him before?
A: No, he’s about three-and-a-half years older than me, so this is our first team that we get to play together on.
Q: Your brother is expected to be a leader on this team this year. What makes him so good?
A: He just has good vision for the ice. He likes to set people up and he has a good shot, too. He’s fast and keeps his head up all the time. He’s just a good player. I look up to him.
Q: Do you have a favorite NHL team?
A: Yeah, the Washington Capitals.
Q: Why is that?
A: (Alex Ovechkin) got drafted and I just love the way he plays. He plays on the Caps, so it’s my favorite team.
Q: Is he your favorite player?
A: Yeah, I love Ovi. He likes to hit and score, and I like to hit and score.
Q: How’s the team looking for this season?
A: We’ve been looking pretty good. In our first preseason game, we beat Helena 7-1. We are looking pretty good this year.