Thomas Larkin has ended his career. © APA/afp / PIERO CRUCIATTI

The captain resigns: "I am proud of what has been achieved."

Italian ice hockey is losing a leading figure, a top player and the captain of the Blue Team: Thomas Larkin has decided to hang up his hockey stick at the age of 35.

06 April 2026

From: cst

With the elimination of his Schwenninger Wild Wings in the DEL quarterfinal playoffs against the Cologne Sharks, Thomas Larkin's ice hockey career has also come to an end. The Italian, with roots in the USA and Great Britain (his father is American, Larkin was born in London), is retiring with immediate effect. This means the defenseman will no longer be available to his Blue Team at the World Championship in May.

Larkin captained that team at the home Olympics in Milan. "Wearing the national team jersey has always been a great honor for me. Playing with Italy at the Olympics was one of the greatest moments of my career." Larkin played 105 games for Italy over twelve years. The defenseman, who was trained in the USA, spent the majority of his club career in Germany. He also played two years in the KHL. "I am who I am because I have gained a lot of experience in ice hockey. The sport has shaped my life," Larkin told the Italian Ice Hockey Federation (FISG).

Larkin wore the Italian jersey for twelve years. Here's a picture from his early years (2014). © APA/epa / TATYANA ZENKOVICH

In the future, he can imagine passing on his experience in hockey. "If anyone wants to talk to me, I'll always be there. I'm very attached to Italian ice hockey and want to pass on my perspective to young players," said Larkin.