Reed Larson emerged as a hockey star from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, where he was named all-city and all-state both his junior and senior years. It was then he went on to the University of Minnesota, where under Coach Herb Brooks, Larson was a key factor as the Gophers captured the 1975 WCHA championship, finished as NCAA runner-up in 1975, then captured the NCAA title in 1976.

Larson turned professional in the middle of his junior year, signing with the Detroit Red Wings. He was runner-up in voting for NHL Rookie of the year in 1976. After nearly a decade with the Detroit Red Wings, Reed was traded to Boston and later finished his NHL career with stints with the Edmonton Oilers, the New York Islanders, the Minnesota North Stars, and the Buffalo Sabres. After 1988, he moved to Europe where he continued his professional career as a standout in the Italian professional league for five seasons.

A highlight of Reed's career was playing in both the World Championships and the Canada Cup representing the United States.