Carson Latimer accelerates with the puck in what would be his last game with the Prince Albert Raiders on Friday, December 30. (Submitted Photo/Mark Peterson Media)

By Rob Mahon

Raiders deal Latimer

Mayor on the move: Raiders send forward Latimer to Winnipeg

Dec 31, 2022 | 12:39 PM

For the second time this season, the Prince Albert Raiders have traded away one of their veteran players for some young help and a selection of draft picks. This time, they moved a member of their forward corps for the deal.

The Raiders have dealt 2003-born forward Carson Latimer to the Winnipeg ICE in exchange for 2005-born forward Aiden Oiring and a pair of third round draft picks, one in 2024 and another in 2025.

Latimer came to the Raiders last season as part of the Kaiden Guhle trade. He made an immediate impact on the forward depth, chipping in 32 points in 44 games. This season, he compiled 28 points in 31 games played.

“It’s a sad morning for such a great group of guys we have here,” Latimer said. “I’m so thankful for my time here. But the opportunity I’m going to have (in Winnipeg) is going to be to try to compete for a WHL championship and that’s what every player wants when they come into this league.”

On the ice, Latimer was a fixture in the team’s top-six forwards and on their power play unit. Off the ice, he was a star as well, quickly becoming a fan favorite thanks to his outgoing, friendly nature, and enthusiasm for hyping up the crowd. His crowd-pleasing ability earned him the nickname “Mayor of Prince Albert”.

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“Especially when we’re struggling or not doing so great, they (the fans) are always supporting us still,” Latimer said. “When we’re playing well, how rowdy it gets in that place, no one wants to come in here and play us. Up in the Ches Leach Lounge is one of my favorite things I think, they’re always cheering me on and that means a lot to a player.”

Oiring, meanwhile, has already shown those fans some of what he can do. He scored his first WHL goal earlier this season in Prince Albert in a game on September 28. He has five goals and three assists overall this season.

“Aiden is a highly competitive and skilled center,” Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt said. “He is a player that we have watched closely, and we are excited to get him in the fold.”

Last season with the South Alberta Hockey Academy, Oiring piled up points, leading the team with 50 points in 32 games.

The Raiders next game comes on Sunday, January 1, when they travel to face the Regina Pats, who they most recently lost to 4-3 in overtime. Puck drop is 4:00.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP