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For South Carolina Stingrays forward Charlie Combshockey has always been his 'greatest love in life'. He remembers starting to skate at the age of three and jokes that he knew how to hold a hockey stick before he learned to walk.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, the youngest of four children. He said his parents, Charlie and Martee, and his older sisters, Jen and Missy, were all great role models, but his biggest role model in hockey was his older brother. Jack Kammen.
“My brother was probably the biggest reason I started playing hockey. I was at the rink with my brother pretty much my entire childhood, and I think I've had a stick in my hand since I was born,” he joked.
Jack, eight years older than Charlie, played 14 seasons of professional hockey and compiled 435 points (189 goals, 246 assists) in 350 career ECHL games, ranking him 55th all-time in ECHL scoring. His impressive achievements set a high standard and inspired Charlie from an early age.
Jack is now an assistant coach at Lindenwood University near their hometown of St. Louis, Missouri and has been a guiding force in Charlie's career. Looking back on Charlie's early years, Jack recalled, “The youngest child is clearly pushed into whatever the older brother wants to do. Charlie actually wanted to play goalkeeper for the first few years he played. When I played indoors with mini sticks, he would stand in the goal while I shot at him. I'm sure that left him with a few bumps and bruises. Even in his first few years when he could barely walk. for which he played goalkeeper for me.”
Charlie enjoyed the memories with his brother, but is glad he no longer has to give up shooting. “When I was a little kid he used to throw me in the net. I'm glad that didn't stick. I'm glad I'm a striker and not a goalkeeper,” he laughed.
Building a professional career
Charlie's hockey journey took him through three years of college at Bemidji State University and a fourth year at Michigan State University. Immediately after his senior year of college hockey, Charlie signed with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL, thanks to a recommendation from Jack, who had played there the season before.
“Playing in Wichita really helped my career,” Charlie said. “We had such a tight-knit group there and they were number one when I came in. I didn't play a big role, so it was a little humbling, but it was great.”
One of Charlie's main connections in Wichita was as a defenseman Jacob Gravennow captain of the Stingrays. “My first night in Wichita I hung out with Gravey, and we've become super close ever since,” Charlie said. “It's cool how it all worked out again when we were on the same team together. He had a huge impact on me when I came here to South Carolina.”
Join the stingrays
After three years playing in Europe, where he embraced competitive hockey and passionate fan bases in the United Kingdom and Denmark, Charlie decided to return to North America and signed with the Stingrays. “I really enjoyed my time in the UK but I just wanted to explore something different. I'm really glad I came here. I love it here and it's been amazing. Until now I couldn't have asked for something better,” Charlie said.
Then Stingrays Head Coach Jared Nightingale was building this year's roster, Graves contacted him about bringing Charlie to the team.
“Gravey is actually the one who introduced me to Charlie this offseason, and I feel very fortunate about that,” Nightingale said. “When I went online and watched his games, I immediately saw that this guy can make plays with the puck.”
Graves knew Combs would be a valuable addition to the team.
“Comber is the type of guy that when you meet him, you feel like you've known him all your life. He's a great team player,” Graves said. “On the ice he's super skilled, but he's not afraid to get into the dirty areas. It's a rare breed when you can get guys like that. I knew he had something special and that he would help any team.”
Jack fully supported his brother's decision to sign in South Carolina, believing it was the right move for his career. “He got into quite a bit of trouble in Europe with injuries and being in a team that wasn't doing well,” Jack explained. “I encouraged him to come back to the ECHL and re-establish himself a little bit. I think he made a very good decision to go to South Carolina. The team is doing great, and I think it will be very good for him is to play in a championship.” caliber team.”
The Stingrays were a frequent opponent for Jack in the 2015-16 ECHL season, when he played 40 games for the division rival Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Jack's battle against the Stingrays strengthened his belief that South Carolina would be a good place for his brother to land.
“Even when I was in Greenville, I always had the utmost respect for South Carolina just because the Stingrays were competing for championships the entire time I was in the ECHL and had really good caliber teams. I always knew they were on were at the top.” top of the list for good organizations.”
Shortly after signing with the Rays, Charlie also heard from the former Stingrays defenseman Benton masswho played the past two seasons at South Carolina. The former South Carolina blueliner currently coaches with Jack at Lindenwood, and he spent some time with Charlie in St. Louis in the offseason after Charlie committed to the Stingrays. Maass shared what he told Charlie when the two met this summer.
“The fans there are incredibly passionate about the team and the community fully supports them,” Maass said. “Charleston is a unique place to live and play hockey. You can play golf all year round and often wear shorts on the rink. The hockey is also of a high level and the team is always competitive. South Carolina is a special place to play.”
Blooms in South Carolina
Charlie made an immediate impact with the Stingrays. He played in all 22 games this season, scoring eight goals and 18 points while posting a +14 rating. Nightingale is impressed with Charlie's contributions on and off the ice. “He's a bit of a troublemaker, has a bit of that Brad Marchand in his game, and those players are rare,” Nightingale said, referring to the NHL star known for his mix of skills and agitator qualities. “Charlie has surpassed what I thought he was, and he's a leader too. He's a team guy and great in the room. He doesn't take a night off and can play in all situations. He is a perfect example of what we want as a Stingrays player.”
Charlie's conversations with his brother remain a constant source of guidance. “We talk pretty much every day,” Charlie said. “We catch up after every weekend to see how his team played and how we played.”
Jack enjoys watching Charlie's games when Lindenwood is not playing, and he is proud that his brother is doing well.
“He's taken on more of a leadership role, which is great to see. It's been great from the start and he's fully involved. Every time I talk to him he's really happy. As his brother, I'm very happy.” I'm super happy with how everything is going so far.”
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