Former Raiders forward Carson Latimer is back at the Art Hauser Centre for a game between the Raiders and Winnipeg. (Submitted Photo/Mark Peterson Media)

By Rob Mahon

Carson Latimer Returns

Back in office: Latimer returns to Prince Albert as Raiders host ICE

Jan 18, 2023 | 1:00 PM

During his tenure with the Prince Albert Raiders, forward Carson Latimer brought the fans out of their seats with big goals and got them cheering with sharp-witted banter in the Ches Leach Lounge. Now he returns to the Art Hauser Centre wearing enemy colours.

The veteran of 75 games as a Raider over parts of the last two seasons is a member of the Winnipeg ICE tonight, following a trade that sent him to Manitoba on New Year’s Eve. He practiced at the Art Hauser Centre on the morning of his return, and did so from an unfamiliar bench.

“It’s really weird, especially being in the visitors room, lining up on the visitors end of the ice and seeing the guys watching through the glass and smiling,” Latimer said. “It’s quite strange, but it’s good to be back.”

Latimer said it will be strange but exciting to step out for warm-up and see the fans again, even though he knows they won’t be cheering for him tonight. The Raiders faithful make up some of his fondest memories of his time with the group, but he had a lot of positive aspects to choose from.

“The boys, first, it was a great group of guys that I really enjoyed spending time with,” Latimer said. “Secondly, billets and how welcomed I was, becoming part of the family. Lastly the fans, they were so good to me. It was always electric in this building and I’m excited to see the atmosphere tonight.”

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A speedy, sizeable forward, Latimer has fit in nicely in his new surroundings in Winnipeg. The ICE loaded up on the trade deadline day and in the days leading up to it, adding forward Easton Armstrong from Regina and forward Zack Ostapchuk from the Vancouver Giants as well.

“It feels really good, obviously, to be wanted and to know that you’re part of a team that’s trying to do something special,” Latimer said. “I’m really enjoying it.”

In a strange coincidence, Latimer’s trade to Winnipeg reunited him with former billet brother Vladislav Shilo, who was sent there in late September.

“We have some good memories at the Page’s house,” Latimer said. “Seeing him again here was kind of funny. Reunited somehow. It’s crazy how things work out.”

Latimer added he’s been enjoying playing on a slightly wider ice surface in Winnipeg, which he feels suits his style of play.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP