By Drew Wilson

Raider D-man ready for pro tryout

Sep 9, 2011 | 8:23 AM

Antoine Corbin is getting a second chance.

The 19-year-old defenseman from Kelowna is heading to San Jose for the opening of Sharks rookie camp.

This isn't his first exposure to pro hockey — Corbin went to the rookie camp of the Dallas Stars last fall. He said he hopes to draw on that experience.

“I'm definitely pretty excited. I mean last year I got my first taste of it with Dallas, but this year is definitely a second chance and I'm looking forward to seizing that opportunity,” said Corbin.

“I've learned to control what I can control, don't try to do too much, keep things simple and I guess when you get a chance to shoot, just shoot the puck.”

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Corbin expects to return to Prince Albert and hopes to thrive on the Raider blue line. He was seeing limited ice time with the Kelowna Rockets last season before being acquired in November by the Raiders (for a third round Bantam pick in 2012). It was a move that turned Antoine's season and perhaps his career around.

“Yeah, i think I had 9 or 10 points in my first five games and then I got hurt and missed a few games. That was disappointing, but hopefully this year it can be a long season, 72 games, we'll knock on wood for that and hopefully keep that same pace I was going at last season.”

Corbin said he remains grateful to Coach and G.M. Bruno Campese and his staff for the opportunity to take regular shifts and see power play time with the Raiders.

“Bruno helped me out a lot with my game and so did (Assistant Coach Craig Bedard) and (Assistant Coach and G.M. Steve Young). It was a big boost for me,” said Corbin.

“Definitely I have to thank them and thank the Raider organization for giving me a chance.”

Corbin who scored eight goals and 21 assists also hopes to improve defensively and take on a leadership role this season.

“Last year we had Nathan Deck and Jordan Rowley who were big role models for the team, said Corbin, so this year I'm hoping to take one of their places and role I guess for being a big leader as a 19 year old.”

The six-foot-two, 200-pound rearguard is one of ten defensemen left on the Raider roster.

Their next preseason game is Sept. 16 at home against Swift Current.

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