Charleston had at least one point in 12 of the
Mavericks' last 15 games in 2007-08. |
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Key Statistics: Charleston’s
offensive numbers improved in each of his first three
seasons at Nebraska-Omaha, including a career-best 37
points on 12 goals and 25 assists last year. When top
scorer Bryan Marshall was injured and the Mavericks
needed secondary scoring the most, Charleston chipped
in with six points in five playoff games, including
an assist on J.P. Platisha’s series-winning goal
in the third overtime of a deciding first-round game
against Alaska.
What He Does: The key
to Charleston’s game is his endurance. Coach Mike
Kemp said that Charleston likely played more minutes
than any other player on the roster because he is counted
on to contribute on regular shifts as a left wing, but
also plays a key role on both power play and penalty
kill units. Off the ice Charleston is a leader in the
locker room, but rather than being the most consistently
vocal player, he gains a great deal of respect as a
leader by example and, according to Kemp, can be counted
on for a “wry comment” to help loosen the
atmosphere when needed.
The Big Picture: With
the graduation of Bryan Marshall, Mick Lawrence, and
Brandon Scero, Charleston is poised to lead the team
in scoring this coming season. He’ll play left
wing on the Mavericks’ top line, but Kemp says
it’s too early to tell who he might be skating
with. While Nebraska-Omaha will be counting on Charleston
to score points, he’ll also play a key role as
Kemp makes an effort to guide his club through a transition
from a wholly offense-centric program to a more well-rounded
approach. With great speed, stick skills, and a knack
for clearing the zone on the penalty kill, Charleston
will be an important two-way forward in even strength
play and on special teams.
Nebraska-Omaha Head Coach Mike
Kemp on Charleston: “He’s a guy
that has kind of labored in the shadows of Marshall,
(Scott) Parse and Billy Thomas. He’s been incredibly
consistent during his first three seasons, and, kind
of like Bryan Marshall, I expect him to emerge as a
top scorer this year.”
—
James V. Dowd |
