November 11, 2025
Author: Tucker Terranova
On Nov. 12, Joey Larson scored a crucial game-tying goal for the Bridgeport Islanders on a deflected shot in the final minute, sending a School Day game against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins into overtime. For Bridgeport, this kind of performance has become routine for their 24-year-old forward, who has brought steady and clutch performance to the team.
As an undrafted free agent, Larson carved out a niche in a league filled with former No. 1 picks and NHL veterans. He earned a spot in Bridgeport's opening line-up this October after taking three points in six games, including a multi-goal game, during his first spell with Bridgeport last April. Since then, he has led the team in goals and is atop the AHL rookie goalscoring leaderboard.
A native of Brighton, Michigan, Larson has been surrounded by hockey for as long as he can remember. His father built a rink in his backyard, and his uncle, Jim Storm, played a major role in his career by playing 84 NHL games with the Hartford Whalers and Dallas Stars.
“We're always on the ice shooting pucks or on the ice, so hockey is always around us,” Larson said. “My uncle was a great guy and a great friend. He understood what I was going through and was someone I could talk to about almost 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, establishing himself as a standout scorer with a total of 135 points in 157 games.
Larson's path to college also reflects family ties and his drive to compete at the highest level. He started at Northern Michigan University, where his mother was a swimmer and his uncle had back-to-back 50-point seasons.
“My mom went to Northern Michigan, and that was my original commitment there,” he said. “I really like this school and think it’s a great fit.”
As a freshman, Larson scored 27 points in 36 games and was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team. After his freshman year, Larson transferred to Michigan State University, one of the oldest universities in the United States. A lifelong Spartan fan, he joins a talented team that includes nine NHL draft picks and national championship aspirations. He said the ultra-competitive culture helped him take his game to another level.
“Being surrounded by good players always elevates your own game. Everyone there is very competitive and we make each other better every day,” he said.
In two seasons with the Spartans, Larson totaled 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) and helped the team win two Big Ten championships.
After his junior year, Larson chose to forgo his final season of eligibility and signed with the Islanders, taking the next step toward his lifelong dream of playing in the NHL. His brief stay in Bridgeport last spring gave him a glimpse of the speed and physicality of professional hockey, and this fall he noticed a stronger chemistry among the team.
“It feels like there’s a lot more connection this year,” he said. “We are a very close group and I think that shows on the ice.”
Larson credits first-year Bridgeport head coach Rocky Thompson with this culture and helping him develop a more complete game. Larson, known for his powerful shooting, believes Thompson's approach allows him to have an impact beyond scoring.
“He and I do a great job together. We work on things outside of the puck and put me in positions to score and create offense,” he said.
As the season progresses, Larson’s goal is clear: continue to contribute and help Bridgeport win games.
“I've always felt like I could be a contributor at this level. I'm glad I was able to prove that this season.”
