Star sees Providence Academy history being made this season

Though Providence Academy this winter is skating as a boys' hockey varsity team for just the third season in program history, it is slowly churning out some veterans. Atop that list is senior Matt Larson. He's been with the Lions since the beginning, and the winger is back for more after putting up 29 goals and 24 assists as a junior. With games already under way, the Star Tribune's Brian Stensaas caught up with Larson to talk about the season.

Q In the short time the team has been on the ice so far this season, what have you seen?

A This is going to be our best year for sure. We have 10 seniors, and we've all been working hard. We all want to do well this year. We've been skating so long together, we have a lot of chemistry.

Q This is still a very young program. You've been on the team from the beginning. What's it been like?

A For sure, it's always hard to get something started. You don't have all the players you need; we only had one goalie for a while. It's been tough at times, but it's been worth it. I won't forget it.

Q You mentioned your goalie, Michael Taffe. He's only a sophomore, but he's been pretty good for you the past few years, right?

A He's great. Honestly, [having a young goalie] was a little nerve-racking there for a little bit. But he stands on his head for us. He keeps us in a lot of games. It's great to look back there and see him. He's got a bright future ahead of him.

A It will be fun playing for all-conference honors and going up against great teams like Breck and Blake. It will be fun to compete with them. We've played Breck a couple of times. We did OK, but not very well. I think it could be different this year. We've all been working so hard. We all remember those games against Breck from last year. We want to get back at them.

Q What's it going to take?

A Skating our best and giving our best every game and every shift. And probably some good luck.

Q A year ago this week you opened the season by scoring four goals against Redwood Valley. Do you remember that game?

A Yeah. It was pretty sweet. It was all my linemates [Lars Gilyard and Blake Derosier]. They always find me, and I'm always open. It's a good feeling. But it doesn't really matter [who is scoring] as long as we win.

A It felt good. I was in Canada playing hockey this summer. And they all take it a lot more seriously up there. It was really cool that we beat that team.

Q With 29 goals and 24 assists last season you strike me as a balanced player.

A I'd say I'm pretty consistent. It's pretty easy to score with my line, though. We're always looking for each other. It's not about who's going to get the goals, it's just all about moving the puck. And as of right now, we're all skating together this season again. We've been together for like four years now.

Q That has to give you good feelings for this year.