Photo credit: Matt Lidcombe / Ottawa Senators
From the Port Moody Panthers:
Latimer relishes experience at Senators development camp
Forward Carson Latimer, who played for the Panthers during the 2020-21 season before joining the Western Hockey Leagueβs Edmonton Oil Kings, is experiencing his first pro camp this week with the NHLβs Ottawa Senators.
The Sens drafted the Surrey, BC product in the fourth round, 123rd overall in Julyβs NHL Draft. In fact, Ottawa made a trade to move up 13 spots to add Latimer to its prospect pool.
In doing so, Latimer became the first player to ever play in the Pacific Junior Hockey League and be selected in the NHL Draft during the same season. Now heβs in camp in Ottawa with some of the Senatorsβ other top prospects.
β(Being drafted) meant everything,β said Latimer inΒ an articleΒ posted on the Senators website on Sept. 14. βItβs what you work for your whole life and to have that finally come true was amazing and thereβs no better place to go than somewhere in Canada and to a great place like Ottawa where thereβs such a historic background. Iβve loved everything about it so far.β
βIt means a lot when they really want you, to trade up to get you β¦ now I want to do my best to show them that I was worth it.β
The 2003-born right wing led all PJHL rookies in scoring this past season with 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) in eight games. After going without a point in his first game with the Panthers, he ended the season on a seven-game point streak, finishing tied for fourth in league scoring and first in assists.
Once he joined the Oil Kings, Latimer put up five goals and 16 points in 22 games to finish first in WHL Central Division rookie scoring and eighth overall in rookie scoring in the league. His efforts earned him the Central Division rookie of the year award.
As it relates to being in camp with the Senators, Latimer looks to use the experience as a springboard to a solid 2021-22 campaign with Edmonton for his first full season of junior hockey.
βMy goal is to take as much away from this as I can,β LatimerΒ toldΒ Senators writer and social media manager Matt Tidcombe. βThereβs a lot of very talented hockey players here. Thereβs lots to learn from the coaching staff. I want to take in as much as I can, have fun while doing so, and become a better hockey player from this.β