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Watching Amherstburg Admirals goaltender Ben Larder play is like watching a throw back reel to the days of former NHL netminders like Dominc Hasek and Tony Esposito.

The Admirals protector of the pipes refers to his own style to the “Flop” style once perfected not only by Hasek, but a number of goaltenders of the day and not used very much anymore.

“I have always liked that particular style to be honest,” says Larder.” It’s just the way I grew up playing and have always approached my game that way.”

Larder has enjoyed a final and successful season with Amherstburg in 2018-19 and ranks fourth among goaltenders in the PJHL Stobbs Division in wins with 20 as a member of a very competitive Admirals squad which are peaking at the right time as they are set to embark into the playoffs. He also ranks fourth with a .934 Save Percentage Average as well.

Larder, originally from Stratford is a ’97 and since his beginnings back in the Perth, playing his minor hockey from Minor Atom through Major Midget in Tavistock, the time seems to have just flown by.

“I can’t believe its going to end this year, wow, it’s been like so fast,” admits the 21-year old.

 “You have to enjoy every minute because before you know it your through, unless your heading to college or university and can continue on.”

The son of Shawn and Janice Larder and brother to Jarrod, 19 and Denise, 17, Larder has worked hard to earn the starting goaltender position through the years and finds a big difference in the league now from when he started five seasons ago.

“There is a lot more balance now then a few years ago for sure,” admits Larder. “Back in those days, it was Belle River and Essex who were the big dogs. Now, there’s more parody in our league that on any given night anyone can win at home or on the road,” says Larder, adding, “This year’s playoffs are going to be really interesting I think.”

Even though his junior career is winding down quickly, Larder admits there are a few things he feels he can still improve on going into the so called ‘second season’ beginning this February.

“I really need to work on not giving up on the puck and positioning myself a little better on plays around our net. Sometimes I’ll lose sight and next thing I know the other team is right on top of me. That and keeping that crazy 5-hole plugged a little more,” jokes Larder.

He is consoled that if this is to be his last with the Admirals, he is going out with a close-knit group of guys he enjoys playing hockey with.

“This is by far one of my favourite squads we’ve had in term of the camaraderie,” says Larder. “We also have the best fans in the world who support us every night.  I can’t say any more about it, A-Burg is great place to play junior hockey. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

What’s next for Larder may lie in a couple of scenarios yet to be determined. Hockey may still be in the cards somewhere down the road as he is talking with other leagues and possibilities with nothing concrete for the moment.

What is concrete is getting his career on track and schooling completed and working on a diploma in Education from St. Clair College in Windsor as an Educational Assistant or Behaviour Specialist, something close to his own heart with Mom Janice having taught school for many years. His father is also an employee of the Maitland School District as a Maintenance Worker.

But for now, it’s hockey that’s taking priority for Larder as he and his teammates are getting ready for what he feels will be a great run for the Admirals who have now completed their regular season and currently sit in second place in the Stobbs Division with 40-points just waiting to see if the Dresden Jr. Kings, with two games in hand, will bump them down a notch and whether Amherstburg will open up against  either the seventh or sixth seeded team in February.

Regardless, the Admiral are ready for who ever it ends up being says Larder.

“It doesn’t matter to us really. We have worked hard and fought back since the Christmas break and feel we can compete with anyone. We feel were gelling at the right time now thanks to our great coaching staff and Management who have prepared us well, we’re pretty much ready to go, let the games begin.”