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Eric Larkin has been part of the hockey community his entire life. He grew up playing for the St. Peter’s Hockey Club and now gives back to the game by coaching his son Brayden’s team, helping with other local teams, and offering one‑on‑one training to young players.
In November 2022, life changed in an instant. While driving home from a tournament in Wisconsin, Eric suffered a sudden seizure behind the wheel, leading to a serious accident. He was airlifted to the hospital, and the rest of his family was transported by ambulance. Eric’s back was broken, and he continued to experience seizures long after the crash. His wife, Mary, also suffered a broken back. Their children, Brayden (11) and Harper (9 at the time), thankfully walked away with only minor injuries and have fully recovered.
Following the accident, Eric underwent extensive testing to pinpoint the cause of his seizures. In late 2024, he faced major brain surgery to remove the area triggering them — a difficult step, but one he took with courage and hope.
Through every setback, Eric has stayed committed to healing, to his family, and to the sport that shaped him. Today, he steps onto the ice in the DAWG Nation Survivor Game as a reminder of resilience — showing that even after life’s hardest hits, you can keep moving forward, keep giving back, and keep inspiring the people around you.