Fox Cities News

Kalle Larsson, a 2007 graduate of Lawrence University, has found success in the world of professional hockey with the Edmonton Oilers. His journey began when he was encouraged to apply for an assistant coaching position at his alma mater, which led him to a career in hockey management.

Larsson spent ten years with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League before being appointed as senior director of player development for the Oilers. Reflecting on his path, Larsson stated, "I never set out to do this job... It was just by following the passion that I have and being obsessed with the game of hockey."

His role involves overseeing player development and focusing on draft selections and prospects. He credits his liberal arts education at Lawrence University for providing him with valuable perspectives in business management. "A lot of things I see in my current position are things that I learned at Lawrence," he said.

Larsson shared insights into his management approach during a virtual meeting with students from Professor Karen Bussone’s Sport Management course at Lawrence. He emphasized passion and hard work as key components for success: "If you’re passionate about something, you need to start there; hold on to the sport you love."

His ability to build relationships and commitment to excellence attracted interest from the Oilers, who appreciated his work ethic and strategic thinking. Larsson explained, "I think my skill set is managing a department... making sure the department is aligned."

Larsson's early achievements include earning Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Week honors while playing for Lawrence. His transition from business consulting back into hockey came after former Vikings head coach Mike Szkodzinski invited him to interview for an assistant coaching role.

He later advanced within Lawrence's coaching staff before moving on to roles with other teams such as Sioux City Musketeers and eventually Dubuque Fighting Saints. Now with Edmonton, Larsson is tasked with developing future talent for a franchise rich in history but striving for new successes.

Reflecting on his educational background and its impact on his career, Larsson remarked: “When you go to college... you realize pretty quickly that you don’t know anything.” He values critical-thinking skills honed through liberal arts education which aid him daily in guiding players' growth within one of NHL’s storied teams.

"I don’t pretend to have all the answers," Larsson noted regarding collaboration efforts necessary in achieving organizational goals: “I am not here to be right; I’m here to try get it right.”