Assistant Captain Josh Larson has committed and will be playing college hockey next season. The JRFlyers forward is heading to Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. Larson is from Fredericksburg, Virginia and a 95 birth year. He started playing hockey when he was six years old and his first travel team was the Richmond Riverats. Larson has spent two seasons with the JRFlyers and has been a big part of their success, but he gives credit to the team for his accomplishments. “It’s a really good organization. Just being on the ice every day with my team and good coaches has helped mold me into a better hockey player. They have been great, I’ve learned a lot on and off the ice and overall it’s just been an extremely fun experience.” Larson also learned and grew off the ice as well in his time here. “What helped me off the ice was how close I was with my teammates. During the season it gets rough and it’s nice to know that they're twenty five other guys going through the same thing you are and you can talk about it. Also, living away from home, I think overall they've helped me mature and become less dependent on others.”

Next season Larson heads to Massachusetts. For now, he is undecided in which field he will study, but said that his academic goals are just as important, if not more important than his hockey goals are.  It’s a new start with a new team, but he’s confident that he can play. “It’ll be faster and higher paced but I think I’ll adjust and be fine. I want to have a good time, but also develop as a hockey player on and off the ice.”

Collegiate hockey is what lies ahead for Larson but he acknowledges the JRFlyers for getting him here. “I just wanted to say thanks for a great two years, and I thank everyone. College hockey has been something I wanted to do since I was a little kid. They helped me out a lot along the way and I’m forever thankful for it. This wouldn't have been possible without them or without my family.”

Coach Domish is also happy for Larson and knows he can be a solid player at the collegiate level. “I think his game has improved a lot since he's been here, even though he had some injuries the first year. Last year he struggled a little bit defensively and it curtailed his offensive capabilities. This year he put it all together, his defense was much better and it led to him getting much more offensive opportunities and he did really well. I think he’ll do very well at the college level. He’s a big kid and drives the net hard.”

In his final season, Larson led the entire EHL in goals with 29 and added 22 assists giving him 51 total points, which ranked him 10th overall in scoring.

Congratulations Josh on a great and successful junior hockey career. Thank you for your hard work and dedication over the past two seasons. From all of us here with the JRFlyers, we wish you great success as you continue your hockey journey.

By: Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play By Play Announcer