Alex Larson is a great kid — a Duluth Public Schools student-athlete to watch.
A Duluth Central freshman this fall, Larson, 14, is a two-sport athlete, a strong student and a young man who surely will make a positive difference as he continues through his life.
“Alex always seems to have fun, in life and in sports,” said Kevin Mattila, who coached Larson in Bantam A hockey a year ago.
Larson, a 5-foot-9, 125-pound right-handed forward, likely will play his final year for the Duluth Lakers Bantam A team this season, before joining the Duluth Denfeld varsity program in 2011-12.
“I like digging in the corners, doing the dirty work and making the pretty pass,” Larson said of his approach to hockey. “I could be a scorer. I need to get bigger and stronger.”
“We’ve nicknamed Alex ‘Woodtick,’ because he’s an irritant, tenacious, get-under-your-skin type of hockey player,” said Mattila. “He’s always been a scorer, but this past year he really improved his defensive play. But the strength of his game is in front of the net, where he’s very confident with the puck.
“Alex will be one of five returning players on the Lakers next season, joining Luke Pavelich, Steven Maciver, Kyle Jones and Joe Daly as team leaders.”
Mattila said he has always been impressed with Larson’s worth ethic at the rink, especially this summer.
“He hasn’t missed a summer workout session yet, when a lot of kids have,” Mattila said of Larson. “That tells me that he definitely wants to get better.”
Larson also is a star pitcher for the Western Duluth junior Little League team, and also catches. He has a strong arm and can hit for a high average.
Larson Up Close
Favorite Hockey Player: Patrick Kane. “Same as me, he goes into the corners, scores.”
Academics: 3.0 student. Favorite class is American History. “I like to study about what made this country great.”
Family: Brother Nate, 6. Mom Andrea and dad Cameron. “Dad works for Schwan’s, and mom’s a St. Louis County financial worker.”
Hobbies: “Sports is everything.”
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Dislikes: Waking up in the morning to go to school.
Photos — DuluthHeritage.com
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