Korwin Brost’s
Hockey Journey –
Road to Finland
From Tucker Hockey Student, Minor Hockey Player & Tucker Hockey On Ice Assistant Instructor
Published: September 18, 2025
Korwin Brost began his hockey career at the age of eight with the Calgary Saints Minor Hockey Association in northeast Calgary. His mother, Kolbi, a long-time Calgary chiropractor and single mother of two, quickly recognized her son’s profound passion for the game at a very young age. The Brost family possesses a deeply ingrained love for the game of hockey, as Korwin’s grandfather Leslie James Brost (LJ) was an elite goaltender back in his day. Korwin’s sister, Keygan, is also an elite goaltender and is currently in tryouts with Calgary’s Junior A team, The Calgary Titans.
At a young age, Korwin encountered some difficulty stopping, a common challenge faced by many young hockey players. His mother recalled, “He had some difficulty in his first season stopping, and at times would use players as a means to stop on the ice, just like a bowling ball knocking down pins in a bowling alley.” Then Kolbi researched and connected with Calgary’s international power skating instructor Rex Tucker, and Korwin’s remarkable journey with The Tucker Hockey School commenced.
Korwin began his on-ice development with Tucker Hockey’s power skating program at 8 years old, subsequently transitioning to private, one-on-one sessions with Coach Rex on a weekly basis. According to Coach Rex, “Korwin’s work ethic at his age was unprecedented.” After completing 40 minutes of various stopping drills during their first session together, Korwin finally stated, “Coach Rex, can we do something else?” Rex replied, “Of course!” He recognized then, based on Korwin’s dedication and focus, that he was a different 8-year-old. Most kids would only last 10 to 15 minutes with stopping drills. This passion and drive Korwin displayed to improve his skating would ultimately lead him on an extraordinary journey with Coach Rex and Tucker Hockey.
At the young age of 13, Coach Rex offered Korwin a position as an apprentice on ice instructor following five years of dedication in numerous Tucker Hockey’s elite power skating and hockey skills development programs. Another 5 years later in 2024, Korwin would receive the Lyle Hanna Memorial On Ice Assistant Instructor Award! This award was created in memory of Lyle Hanna, who taught Rex Tucker his first coaching course (NCCP Coach Level) back in the fall of 1991.
Korwin being presented the Lyle Hanna Memorial On Ice Assistant Instructor Award from Coach Rex
I retired from professional hockey in 2005 due to the long-term effects of mismanaged concussions, which led to years of chronic pain management for dystonia, a neuromuscular disorder. When I first started skating again in 2024, I began teaching and learning from both Coach Rex and Coach Korwin utilizing The Tucker Way Methodology.
Rex’s power skating and development programs quickly got my skills polished up after a long absence and painful journey after my forced retirement at 49 years old. With Korwin being 19, I was absolutely in awe of his exceptional edgework and outstanding leadership skills on the ice. I quickly built a strong on ice and off ice relationship with Korwin.
Korwin recently played in the USPHL in Richmond, Virginia in 2024. When his team folding mid season, Korwin contemplated retirement from playing to focus on teaching. Although Korwin is an exceptional instructor of our game, it was concerning that, at 19, with the skillsets he acquired over many years working with Coach Rex and Tucker Hockey, he was prepared to retire. Being so young, so talented, and still developing.
Korwin was part of the 2005 birth year Covid-19 lockdown, his bantam draft year, which affected many kids’ development. With arenas and programs shut down, impacting them mentally, not just physically, and taking them away from our game for good.
Korwin Brost – International Hockey Academy
In my mind, there was no way I could reconcile knowing that this exceptionally skilled right shooting defenseman, only 19 years old, was ready to stop pursuing his dreams. I had to find a way to rebuild his confidence, which had been stripped from him, leaving him shattered and having lost his passion for continuing to play. So, I started working with Korwin both on and off the ice utilizing the passion I’ve always had for our game, along with Coach Rex.
Korwin and Rob Frid
I had the privilege of spending several years with Dave Draper, former NHL and Colorado Avalanche’s Director of Professional Scouting. Dave mentored me throughout my career. He took me out for lunches during the off-season in our hometown of Burlington, Ontario, and even securing a tryout for me with the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League. This happened while I was playing at the AA level in the USA after trying to work my way back up to another NHL tryout. Yes, chasing my dreams!
Dave was sharing his passion and insight into scouting and development while I was playing. Our lunches turned from discussions about opportunities for me to continue playing to in-depth chats about recognizing talent, development processes, and sharing his exceptional ability to build fiercely competitive Colorado Stanley Cup winning teams.
Dave Draper is the reason I returned to the game, along with Rex Tucker, after my neurologist advised me to never skate again years ago, due to my Dystonia. I never let go of my passion and love of our game. Because of this, I was not going to let Korwin give up so easily, especially since he was still developing at 19 years old.
I know talent when I see it and understand that kids develop and peak at different ages. Also, I understand the political side of our game and the challenges kids face chasing their dreams. Korwin is one of those kids, and I challenged his passion, work ethic, and the skillsets he developed within the Tucker’s Hockey School.
Following several discussions, Korwin made the decision to continue playing the game we all love. I was pleased with his decision and continued to work with him both on and off the ice. This included watching him play in summer league shinny games, where I took video footage focusing on his ongoing development and providing constructive feedback to help him regain his confidence. I discussed with Korwin whether he would be interested in playing in Europe, to which he asked why Europe was a viable option? I explained that his exceptional attributes, including his explosive skating ability, strong work ethic, high hockey IQ, and creativity, made him an ideal candidate to continue his development on the big ice in Europe versus here in North America. He stated, ‘I would love that opportunity.’ Korwin quickly had his passion back. All the tools he had developed over many years with Coach Rex and Tucker Hockey, along with playing with his past league teams now provided him with the skills foundation and confidence to pursuit his future hockey goals.
His mother, Kolbi, always his #1 fan, was still behind him, supporting him every step of the way. Just like when she supported her son learning to stop and working very hard with Coach Rex. I made a phone call, broke down my video on Korwin, but most importantly, Korwin’s passion for the game was recharged and ready to go. So, I accessed my network, the tools Dave Draper had provided me years ago.
Six days later, Korwin had a contract sent to him from Oulu, Finland. The historical Laser HT hockey club sent him a two-year deal. Everyone was in shock around him; not only was Korwin returning to play, but he was headed to Finland to continue his development path and continue chasing his dreams of becoming a professional hockey player!
Instagram post by Rob Frid
Then, just a few days later, my former captain and linemate from St Thomas University in New Brunswick reached out to me – Eric Crawford, Director of Professional Scouting of the Montreal Canadiens. Eric saw the video I posted on Korwin on my social media account and said he will place Korwin on his radar list and wanted all his information, keeping an eye on his continued development path!
Congratulation’s Korwin! ALL the best to you and your Laser HT teammates this upcoming season!
You NEVER gave up on yourself or the game WE ALL LOVE…HOCKEY.
Remember Kids ~ All your dreams can come true—if you have the courage, passion, and work ethic to pursue them!
#TheTuckerWay
Contributing Writer – Rob Frid
Editor’s Note:
Rob, thank you for writing an article on Korwin.
However, more importantly for providing him with this wonderful U20 playing opportunity in Finland!
Over the past decade or so I have spent more time on the ice with Korwin than any other person (player or instructor ) in my Tucker Hockey circles.
I have witnessed first hand Korwin’s personal growth and development from a very unorthodox / challenged 8 year old and now blossoming into a very responsible young man. Yes, very rewarding indeed!
Korwin was one of the most challenging coaching projects I have ever been involved in.
It was quite a feat to improve on his skating and hockey skills.
He tested my patience to the max but he helped make me a better coach!
During our many hours together I tried my best to not only teach him hockey skills but life skills as well.
Korwin with his passion for the game and outstanding work ethic has developed into a very good hockey player and later a quality teenage on ice assistant instructor within the Tucker Hockey Team!
I am extremely proud of him!
It was very disappointing to say the least when he temporary shut down his hockey playing career last year.
And now I am very excited for him! Wow! A chance to go overseas to play!
Korwin, keep working hard and stay confident. Good things will happen.
I wish you every success. Enjoy your journey ahead!
Friendly reminder – I will always be in your corner!
Best Wishes,
~Coach Rex
Coach Rex and Korwin