Charlie Combs was always the kind of player that made you notice him. Whether he’s playing for you or against you, he has always had a way of capturing everyone’s attention. It wasn’t his 5’7” stocky frame, but it was certainly the way he commanded the puck, especially around the net where he had a way of punishing opposing goaltenders.

Such was the case when the St. Louis native was in his first year of juniors with the Amarillo Bulls of the NAHL. He’d scored goals at a torrid pace for the St. Louis Amateur Blues 18U AAA for two seasons prior, and when Combs and Amarillo met Wenatchee in the 2014-15 season, the Wild staff took note. After a 21-goal season, Combs tried his hand in the USHL with Dubuque and Muskegon but found a home in Wenatchee in early December and settled into a nice groove. In the 2016-17 season Combs led the BCHL with 51 goals and was named a First Team All-Star.

His college career launched at Bemidji State where he would post double digits in goals each of his first three years. For his final year he transferred to Michigan State, seeking a change of scenery and a fresh challenge. He completed his undergrad in Business with emphasis on entrepreneurship and is currently working toward a Masters in sports coaching and leadership.

After wrapping up his collegiate playing career, it didn’t take long for Combs to land a pro deal as he signed with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL in March 2021.