Very seldom do we see record books rewritten. However, a current Elder student has done just that.  Senior co-captain of the hockey team, Ron Larkin, shattered the all-time Elder career points record that stood for nearly ten years.

Larkin stated, “It’s just a once in a lifetime thing to be able to do… I’m just happy we got the winning season last year and my teammates put me in a good position get either assists or goals because it put me in a good position to break the record.”

“If we’re being honest, I was definitely counting my points.  I knew that I only needed five points that weekend, and heading into the last game of the weekend against Athens I only had one.  I knew I needed the four points and once I got the fourth point in that game, it just felt amazing.”

This past year has been a great one for Larkin.  Last season he was named Cincinnati Winter Sports Player of the Year, while also setting the points record for a single season.  Ron’s brother, also line-mate, Matt had a few words to share about his brother.

“The man is a turnover machine at practice, but he shows up when it matters in games… I’m just glad I get to play on the same line as him because, usually, when he gets an assist I get a goal.”

Not only does Ron Larkin carry himself well on the ice, but he also is a great teammate when the skates are off.

Junior Charlie Garnett commented, “Ron’s just a great dude to have on the team, he’ll make you laugh when you don’t expect to laugh at practice.  He’s a weird dude in the locker room sometimes, but he does a good job of bringing the team closer together that’s for sure.  If anyone on the squad was going to break the record, I’m glad it was Ron.”

Voted sole captain his junior year by his teammates, Larkin truly stepped in as a leader in the locker room.  From leading prayers to inspirational tirades, the entire Elder hockey community trusts in Ron Larkin.

Larkin added, “Coach is always saying great teams are made up of great teammates, so I’ve just been trying to make sure everyone’s getting along and make sure we’re including everyone.”

The effects of this leadership have propelled the panther puck squad to become a

great team.  After winning their division last season, the Panthers have been selected to move up to a higher division, with tougher competition.

Behind strong leadership of Ron and the upperclassmen, Elder already finds itself sitting atop the division standings this season.

As the season rolls on, Ron will undoubtedly add more points to his total of 108, and will hopefully propel the ice Panthers toward yet another successful season.