Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Unmatched passion/relentless work ethic

Corbet’s grit shines through amid Rockets’ struggles

Feb 19, 2025 | 6:00 AM

If every player shared the same level of determination, passion, drive, and aversion to being second best as defenseman Nate Corbet, the Kelowna Rockets would likely not be in the tough spot they find themselves in today. 

The 18-year-old, who won’t turn 19 until next month, may not have the sharpest shot or the flashiest puck skills, but his work ethic is one of the best on the team. 

This might explain why he currently tops the league in penalty minutes with 135—six more than his former Medicine Hat Tigers teammate, Oasiz Wiesblatt. 

“To be at the top of any category in the Western Hockey League is an honour,” Corbet said about leading the league in penalty minutes. “I don’t focus too much on it, but given how many minutes I’ve accumulated, I make sure to avoid taking careless penalties. If I’m in the box, it’s because I’m making a tough play.” 

Corbet not only leads the league in penalty minutes but also in majors with 13. While he has served 35 trips to the penalty box for minor penalties, ranking 4th in the league, Wiesblatt leads with 52 trips. 

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If Corbet can continue leading the league in minutes spent in the penalty box, it would mark the second consecutive season a Rockets player claimed that title. Captain Max Graham led the WHL last season with 135 penalty minutes. 

“We’ve definitely talked about it and laughed about it,” Corbet said about Graham’s similarly aggressive playing style. “It’s too bad he’s injured, but it would’ve been fun to see how many penalty minutes he would’ve racked up this season. Maybe I could match him or beat him.” 

Corbet added to his penalty totals Monday afternoon when, less than two minutes into a game against the Tri-City Americans, he found himself in a fight with forward Grady Martin. 

“I try to play with a lot of grit,” Corbet admitted. “I want to be a physical presence out there, give my teammates protection, and bring some energy to the ice.” 

That style takes courage. It’s about finding ways to engage in the battle, not taking the easy route of avoiding contact or the physical side of the game. 

In short, Corbet thrives on it. 

“I consider myself an energetic and outgoing guy,” he said when asked about the upbeat attitude he brings to the rink. “I love having fun with my teammates. Hockey is the best sport in the world, so it’s hard not to enjoy coming to the rink every day and seeing your best friends.

“It’s easy to stay positive, and it’s not that hard to be a good guy.” 

Goaltender Rhett Stoesser, who had joined the interview unexpectedly, was asked for his thoughts on Corbet’s aggressive playing style. 

“He’s a great guy… and a beauty,” he said with a laugh with Corbet within ear-shot. 

Teammate Jake Pilon agrees. 

“Corbet’s awesome. I love having him block pucks for me. I really appreciate it.” 

Despite the team enduring a league-high 14-game winless streak, longer than Red Deer’s 13-game slump earlier this season, Corbet offered some advice to help his team turn things around. 

“We’ve got to get back to the basics,” he said without hesitation. “You can’t overthink it. It’s tough right now, but we need to outwork other teams and get a gritty win.

“Once we get one win, I think the momentum will start rolling.”