Michael Latta makes return to Hershey for the first time since 2014

After Saturday night’s Hershey Bears and Binghamton Devils game, Devils forward Michael Latta ducked into the Bears training room to wish Hershey trainer Dan ‘Beaker’ Stuck along with other members of the Bears a Merry Christmas.

“Not many times you go into the other team’s dressing room after the game, but it’s nice to say ‘Merry Christmas’ to Beaker and the boys,” said Latta. “It’s nice to be back.”

The former Bear spent parts of two seasons in Chocolate Town after a trade sent him to the Capitals organization in 2013. “A lot of fond memories here. I loved playing here [and] Washington. It’s kind of where I got my NHL career started. I came in as a young guy in a trade that brought me over which was the best for my career. It’s really nice to be back here. Fun to see all the boys.”

Latta’s career truly kicked off in Hershey as the Nashville Predators draft pick played only 61 regular season games for the Chocolate and White before spending two full seasons with Washington, something that meant “everything” to Latta. “It’s the only chance I really got. It’s led me to some good organizations down the road, but I still consider Washington my second home. I love it there, I go back and visit every year. It all started right here.”

After signing with the Los Angeles Kings last season and playing for the Ontario Reign, he was traded to Chicago to join the Rockford IceHogs. This offseason, Latta got a chance with the Arizona Coyotes, playing 20 games with their AHL affiliate the Tucson Roadrunners before being traded to the New Jersey Devils just over a week ago.

Despite the movement, Latta has kept up with his old organization which includes some of his closest friends. “There’s a lot of young guys this year up in Wash, but a lot of my best buddies are there; Willy [Tom Wilson], Backie [Nicklas Backstrom], and all those guys I’m still really close with. I still keep an eye on them, make sure they’re doing alright, and wish them the best.”