Entering his final season of eligibility in the OJHL, Corbin Roach is full of confidence having put up 68 points, including career bests in goals (26) and assists (42) last year. Now, the 20-year-old forward is ready to lead the Trenton Golden Hawks.
After serving as an alternate captain last season, Roach is now poised to step into an even more prominent leadership role as he prepares to guide the team through their upcoming campaign.
While his offensive contributions have been impressive, it's his leadership qualities that the coaching staff values, earning his promotion to the role of captain for his over-age season.
Roach understands the importance of balancing speaking out with leading by example.
"I think I'm a vocal guy. I like to hold guys accountable, but I'm also not going to tell them to do something if I'm not doing it as well," he said.
That mindset will be crucial as the Golden Hawks navigate the inevitable challenges of a long season. Roach recognizes potential for adversity and stressed the importance of resilience.
"It's a long year, and no matter what happens, you have to stay with it. Stay positive. You're going to have bad games, but you've just got to battle through and go shift by shift."
With a blend of speed, skill, and grit, Roach is excited about the talent on the Golden Hawks' roster.
"Everyone competes, and everyone wants it this year," Roach said. "No one's slacking, and it's a super-fast, skilled team. But we're not afraid to get down and dirty. We have a lot of key pieces, and everyone's playing a role."
"We have one of the fastest—if not the fastest team in the league, and we use it to our advantage. We're always moving our feet, and we're going to tire teams out—they just can't keep up with us."
Roach also credits the Golden Hawks' coaching staff, led by head coach Derek Smith, for their trust and guidance.
Smith brings a wealth of professional hockey experience, including time in the NHL. Assistant coaches Tyler Longo and Randy Rowe bring their own expertise and achievements, including winning a J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Belleville Bulls.
"It's huge that our coaches have played at a high level. It's not just about on-ice stuff but the mental grind," he said. "They know what it's like, and you can talk to them about anything. They give great advice, and that's really important. We have a great staff."
As a Belleville native, Roach is grateful for the opportunity to play close to home. The proximity allows his family and friends to watch him regularly.
"It's awesome playing in Trenton," he said. "You see a lot of familiar faces at the rink. Living at home is nice too. It's just a great environment. I wouldn't want to play anywhere else."
As he heads into his final season with the Golden Hawks, Roach has a clear goal in mind.
"The one thing I want is to win a championship. No matter how we get there, I want to win the OJHL and then go on to win a national title," he said. "After that, we'll see what happens. Obviously, playing at the next level would be great, whether that's college or something else. But right now, I just want to win."
With Roach leading the charge, the organization is once again well-positioned for another successful season.
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