The Red Deer Rebels bid farewell to 20-year-old graduating players Carson Latimer and Elias Carmichael on Friday.
The two played just one season for the organization but their impact on their teammates and the franchise will be felt for years to come.
On Friday Latimer said to local media that he felt a lot of different emotions following the season’s conclusion.
“I think over the last couple of days it’s been bittersweet because the group of guys here have been so unbelievable,” he said.
“We came a long way this year, we’ve been through a lot, and no one ever gave up. We battled all the way to the end so it was awesome. It was a great experience for my final year.”
The Rebels acquired Latimer in the offseason from the Winnipeg Ice to finish out his final season in the Western Hockey League in central Alberta.
The Surrey, B.C. native began his career with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2020-21 season after he was drafted by them 48th overall in the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft. He was then traded to the Prince Albert Raiders midway through the 2021-22 campaign.
He would be on the move once again during the 2022-23 season when he was dealt to the Winnipeg Ice. When they picked him up in the summer, he found a new home in Red Deer.
“I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy every organization I’ve been a part of but Red Deer was extremely special. It’s a first-class organization that’s the pinnacle of junior hockey,” he said.
“They have an unbelievable rink, fans are awesome, and it’s the most professional organization I’ve ever been a part of.”
He was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and after the team failed to sign him he received a camp invite to Minnesota Wild’s training camp last summer.
Once again he was unable to earn a contract but Latimer is optimistic about what’s in store this offseason.
“We’ll see in the next couple of weeks here but I’m optimistic something will happen,” he said. “[Playing university hockey] is always an option as well. I’m not going to say exactly where yet but that’ll definitely be a possibility. I think that’s a great option the WHL provides.”
He missed over half of the regular season with a pair of injuries. At first, he missed nearly two months due to a fractured tibia but later missed more time fracturing his jaw in practice. Despite that, he still contributed 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 35 games.
He returned just before the end of the regular season and had arguably the greatest statistical postseason of his WHL career. He scored five goals and three assists for eight points in nine games.
“I was really big on when I came back to leave it all out there and I think I did that. I worked as hard as I could, tried to be a leader for the guys in that room, and helped us try to have as much success as we could.”
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Kelowna Rockets, defenceman Elias Carmichael was dealt to the Rebels this past summer to help solidify a formidable defensive group.
It didn’t take long for the 20-year-old from Langley, B.C. to make an impact. While serving as a leader on the blue line he was also one of the team’s top defensive pairings alongside Mats Lindgren.
“I loved [playing in Red Deer]. I’ve learned many things and I’m very grateful for that. I’m grateful for the Sutter family for giving me a spot here as a 20-year-old,” he said.
“It was awesome interacting with the fans and the organization and everything was a great experience as a 20-year-old. [I came here] a little bit nervous but everyone opened up quickly and I’m very fortunate for that.”
However, the end of Carmichael’s career in the WHL came to an unfortunate close when he suffered a high ankle sprain and a torn ligament with eight games remaining in the regular season. He also missed the entire postseason.
“The ending was definitely unfortunate but the boys worked hard. For me it was a crappy injury, it happens, but just got to push through it,” he said.
“Luckily I didn’t need surgery so it could just heal by itself.”
He admitted it was tough to have to watch the playoffs from the bleachers but explained he did his best to help the team by supporting the players.
Next year he plans to join the men’s hockey team at the University of Alberta where he’ll play for the Golden Bears. That is if he doesn’t receive any professional interest.
“My girlfriend is going there for medicine. She wants to be a doctor so that’s probably what ultimately [led to the decision],” he said.
“It’s a great hockey program too. I mean it’s highly sought after and I’m fortunate to be playing there next year.”