November 11, 2025
By: Tucker Terranova
On November 12, Joey Larson delivered a game-tying goal for the Bridgeport Islanders to force their School Day game against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins into overtime, deflecting a shot from the point during the final minute of the game. For Bridgeport, that kind of production has become routine from the 24-year-old forward, who has brought a steady and steady presence to the lineup.
Not yet a free agent, Larson has carved out a niche for himself in a league full of former top draft picks and NHL veterans. After scoring three points in six games during his first stint with Bridgeport last April, including a multi-goal game, he earned a spot on Bridgeport’s opening night roster in October. Since then, he has led the team in goals and tops the AHL’s rookie goal scoring leaderboard.
A native of Brighton, Michigan, Larson has been surrounded by hockey for as long as he can remember. His father built an ice rink in their backyard, and his uncle, Jim Storm, who played in 84 NHL games with the Hartford Whalers and Dallas Stars, was instrumental in shaping his journey.
“We were always shooting pucks or on the ice, so hockey was always around us,” Larson said. “My uncle is a great guy and a great friend. He understands what I’m going through and is someone I can talk to about just about anything.”
His junior career was filled with accolades, including being named Michigan’s “Mr. Hockey” in 2019 at Hartland High School. Larson continued to excel in junior hockey in the BCHL, NAHL and USHL, totaling 135 points in 157 games and establishing himself as a standout scorer.
Larson’s college journey also reflected both family ties and his drive to compete at the highest level. He started at Northern Michigan University, where his mother swam collegiately and his uncle had posted back-to-back 50-point seasons.
“My mother went to Northern Michigan, and that’s how I originally got committed there,” he said. “I really liked the school and thought it was a good fit.”
Larson collected 27 points in 36 games as a freshman and earned a spot on the CCHA All-Rookie Team. After his freshman year, Larson transferred to Michigan State University, one of the nation’s historic programs. A lifelong Spartan fan, he joined a talented roster with nine NHL draft picks and national championship aspirations. The ultra-competitive culture, he said, helped take his game to another level.
“Being around good players always raises your own game. Everyone there was super competitive and we made each other better every day,” he said.
During two seasons with the Spartans, Larson totaled 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) and helped the team capture two Big Ten titles.
After his freshman year, Larson opted to forgo his final season of eligibility and sign with the Islanders, taking the next step toward his lifelong dream of playing in the NHL. His brief stint with Bridgeport last spring gave him a glimpse of the pace and physicality of professional hockey, and this fall he has noticed an even stronger chemistry among the team.
“It feels like there’s more of a connection this year,” he said. “We are a very close group, and I think it shows on the ice.”
Larson credits first-year Bridgeport head coach Rocky Thompson for that culture and for helping him develop a more complete game. Known for his powerful shot, Larson believes Thompson’s approach has allowed him to make more of an impact than just scoring.
“He did a great job with me. We worked on things away from the puck, putting me in positions where I could score and create offense,” he said.
As the season progresses, Larson’s goal is clear: continue to contribute and help Bridgeport win games.
“I have always felt that I could contribute at this level. I am happy that I was able to show that this season.”
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