‘No friends on the ice’: Three ex-Raiders vying for WHL championship

For Latimer, this year’s trip to the finals is making amends for a missed opportunity the previous season. He was dealt from Edmonton (the eventual WHL champions) to Prince Albert in the swap for Kaiden Guhle. Now he’s getting another chance to chase a championship.

“It kind of feels like a second chance here after not being able to have that run with Edmonton, which was unfortunate,” Latimer said. “But my time in PA, I really enjoyed. I feel like this is kind of a second chance for me.”

Loaded with World Junior players, Allan included, it’s felt like Seattle has been destined for this spot in the finals for most of the season. They buzz-sawed their way through the opening three rounds with a record of 12-2.

“It’s kind of crazy how fast things go by, it feels like I was just in PA a couple of weeks ago,” Allan said. “We had some injuries and some guys in and out, a lot of new additions, so to finally get our full group going there in the second half was huge.”

Winnipeg has been on a remarkably similar path to the finals with a 12-2 record of their own. It’s no surprise then that the two teams are deadlocked at one game apiece heading back to Seattle, with Latimer scoring the game-winning goal in game one and Allan setting up the insurance marker in game two.

“It’s been a bit of a challenge, especially from the standpoint of coming back, I’ve been coming back from an injury,” said Latimer. “Coming back and finally being able to play again, and help the boys achieve one of our goals of making the finals feels really good.”

“They’re a fast team and they play fast,” said Allan. “It’s awesome. It’s fun to play in those games, those are the best games to play in. It’s pretty intense, and very good hockey out there.”

Allan, Shilo, and Latimer played parts of two seasons together so it’s a little strange for them to line up opposite one another. Both Allan and Latimer said the same thing: once the puck drops, it’s friends off.

“I haven’t talked to him very much,” said Latimer with a laugh. “I guess we’re enemies here now. I’m sure I’ll see him around the rink and it’ll be nice to say hi, but for now, I guess we’re enemies out there.”

“It’s a little bit weird seeing them on the other side, but it’s always fun playing against your buddies,” said Allan. “They’re two good players a big part of their team, obviously. No friends on the ice, but I’m hoping after the series we can have a chat and have a laugh together.”

Game three of the WHL finals goes Tuesday, May 16.

by Rob Mahon

‘No friends on the ice’: Three ex-Raiders vying for WHL championship

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