BIRTHPLACE: Minneapolis, Minn.

BORN: July 30, 1956

TEAMS/ASSOCIATIONS: Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Minnesota North Stars, Buffalo Sabres 

Reed Larson came out of the park board and youth hockey programs of Minneapolis in the 1960's and onto a career that included more than 900 games in the National Hockey League, as one of the steadiest defensemen in the era. 

Larson's playing career included 14 seasons in the NHL, during which he played in three NHL All-Star Games.  He served as captain of the Detroit Red Wings from 1982-86, and later helped the Boston Bruins to the 1986 Stanley Cup Finals.  All along the way, he was the epitome of professionalism and dedication.  He finished his NHL career with a total of 222 goals and 463 assists for 685 points in 904 games. 

Reed was born in south Minneapolis and played on his first hockey team at the age of 6 at Sibley Park.  He went on to star at Roosevelt High School, where he was named All-City and All-State both his junior and senior years.  It was then on to the University of Minnesota, where, under Coach Herb Brooks, Larson was a key factor as the Gophers captured the 1975 WCHA championship, finished as NCAA runner-up in 1975, then captured the NCAA title in 1976. 

Larson turned professional in the middle of his junior year, signing with the Detroit Red Wings, who had drafted him in the second round.  He was the runner-up in voting for NHL Rookie of the Year.  After nearly a decade with the Red Wings, Reed was traded to Boston, where he played for another two and a half seasons.  He finished his NHL career with stints for the Edmonton Oilers, the New York Islanders, Minnesota North Stars and Buffalo Sabres.  But he wasn't through with pro hockey.  He moved to Italy and was a standout in the Italian professional league for five seasons, totaling 65 goals and 150 assists for 215 points in 159 games. 

A highlight of Reed's career was playing in both the World Championships and the Canada Cup in 1981, representing the United States.  Larson remains as one of Minnesota's greatest ever hockey heroes, and remains active in the Twin Cities community as both a role-model to aspiring youngsters out on the ice and also as an insurance executive.