Combs’ stock on the rise with Park City
Ask Park City Ice Miners 16U AA coach Mike Adamek about his captain, Kaleb Combs, and he has nothing but high praise.
“He’s been a huge part of this team for two years now,” said the coach.
And not only is Adamek bullish on the young forward’s potential, but so too are a handful of junior teams who’ve contacted Adamek inquiring about the West Valley City native.
“Kaleb’s speed and determination make him a threat to score every shift,” said Adamek. “He’s also become a selfless and accountable leader.
“If he continues on the path he’s on, there’s no doubt he’ll have a chance to play beyond youth hockey.”
Combs said he’s noticed improvements in his game, and attributes his continued development to Adamek and the rest of the Park City coaching staff.
“The season has gone really well,” said Combs. “I’ve done a lot of work with my coaches and have picked up a lot of new skills and improved on many I already had.
“Over the past two seasons, I’ve developed my game to the point where I’m more effective at this level, and Mike has really helped me become more of a complete player.”
Combs began his budding hockey career wanting to emulate his older brother, Wynn.
“My uncle (Ben Christensen) told Wynn that he should start to play after seeing our skills roller skating, so my brother started and after a few times watching him, I decided I wanted to play,” said Combs. “I started when I was 7 years old and things just went from there.”
While both player and coach agree Combs’ speed is his greatest asset, Combs realizes the rest of his game must also improve if he wants to make the jump to junior hockey down the road.
“It’s a very fast-paced and physical game,” Combs said of the junior ranks, “so for me to be able to compete I need to work more on my strength.”
– Matt Mackinder