Kingsville's Corbin Watson Aims for Gold to Complete Paralympic Medal Collection
Kingsville's Corbin Watson is on a mission to complete his Paralympic medal collection, setting his sights on gold at the upcoming Games in Italy. The 39-year-old goaltender for Canada's men's para hockey team has already secured bronze from the 2014 Paralympics in Russia and silver from the 2018 Games in South Korea, making gold the final piece needed for a full set of Paralympic honors.
Returning to the Ice After a Hiatus
After taking a break from competition, Watson is back with renewed determination. Canada will open play in Italy on Saturday against Slovakia, and Watson is vocal about his ambitions. "I'm pushing for gold," Watson said. "This is my third Games. I know the whole team is pushing for gold, and we know we have a chance." His return marks a significant comeback, driven by a passion for the sport that has defined much of his life.
Overcoming Adversity to Find His Calling
Watson's journey to para hockey began after a life-altering auto accident in 2006, which resulted in the loss of his lower right leg. Faced with a difficult decision at age 20, he chose to move forward without looking back. "When the doctor comes into the hospital room and gives you two choices, and neither is one you're going to like, it's an interesting decision to have to make at 20, but it was the right choice," Watson reflected.
It took time for Watson to rediscover his place on the ice. Initially a goaltender in standup hockey, he experimented with playing forward but soon realized his true passion lay in the net. "I gave forward a chance, and it was fun, but it wasn't net. I love being in net," he said. A chance meeting at a wheelchair relay with Windsor's Ray Grassi, then a member of Canada's para hockey team, proved pivotal. Grassi encouraged Watson to try sled hockey, reigniting his love for the game. "The sled was hard, but I know how much I missed playing hockey. I felt back at home in the game that I loved to play," Watson shared.
Stepping Back and Making a Comeback
Watson opted not to compete in the 2022 Paralympic Games in China, citing personal reasons during a challenging period. "I never retired, I just stepped back," he explained. The world was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Watson and his wife Danielle had just welcomed their third son, Cylus, joining older brothers Gabriel and Dante. "I just knew I needed some time to myself," Watson said. "We had a newborn and it was a lot at that time. It took time to figure it out."
His return to the sport was sparked by Canadian captain Tyler McGregor, who reached out to gauge Watson's interest in rejoining the team. "(McGregor) reached out to see if I was interested," Watson recalled. "It was sort of a whirlwind from there to get back into shape for the Worlds in 2023." The experience at the World Championships rekindled his competitive fire. "It was a great experience," Watson said. "It's like the stars aligned. The level of the game, you can give it up, but at the same time you know it's what you love doing. It's a thrill to compete at this level. It's an adrenaline rush."
A Legacy of Perseverance and Achievement
Watson's career is marked by resilience and dedication, making him the first goalie to appear in 100 games for Canada's para men's hockey program. As he prepares for the Paralympics in Italy, his story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. With bronze and silver already in hand, Watson's quest for gold is not just about completing a collection but about achieving a lifelong dream on the world stage.
