DENVER – Offense. Defense. Transition. Faceoff duties.
Jalen Chaster does it all these days.
And while it seems natural to continue labeling him as a defenseman, it’s hard to do after seeing the speedy talent nearly triple his career-high point total last season.
Exploding for 23 points (7g, 16a) during his fifth professional campaign, Chaster’s career year included new personal-best totals in goals and points, as the two-way talent was tapped for a few more offensive shifts in 2025-26 compared to past seasons.
With forward Eli McLaughlin out of commission last season, as the veteran continued to take the necessary steps in establishing his professional firefighting career, and Thomas Vela banged up here and there, thus unavailable throughout parts of the season, the Mammoth organization turned to a two-way threat who’s demonstrated countless times he has what it takes to operate a set.
Some games he’d start as a forward and pick up some defensive shifts.
Other contests he’d primarily play D, with the green light to push the pace in transition.
(Knowing he grew up playing ball with Head Coach Pat Coyle and the Coquitlam Adanacs means Patty is well aware of the kid’s finishing skills – the team just hasn’t traditionally been in a personnel position needing to utilize them very often.)
Representing his best statistical performance to date, Chaster put the National Lacrosse League (NLL) on notice early in the season, as he went on to produce a career-best five points (2g, 3a) en route to helping the Mammoth defeat the Rochester Knighthawks at the LOUD HOUSE, 18-13.
Just two games prior, he notched a pair of tallies amongst his three points (2g, 1a) during a 7-5 loss to the Philadelphia Wings.
Throughout the year, he managed three-plus points in six different instances, which isn’t easy to pull off between splitting time on the back end and utilized within limited rotations in the O-zone.
Chaster added 47 loose balls, five caused turnovers, one blocked shot and a career-low six penalty minutes across his 17 regular season appearances.
The best part about having a “do it all” talent like Chaster up front means the 6-foot personality is used to both getting pushed around and moving/navigating bodies, himself. He isn’t the most physical guy on the turf, but his effort and grind are regularly on display. His wheels are always there, just like his fight.
Yet, with a star like “Liger” back in the fold this fall and returning talents like Will Malcom, Andrew Kew and Thomas Vela back at Training Camp, Chaster will likely remain a primary defenseman but will always be able to jump into the O-zone and produce.
And if we know one thing about fans who pack Ball Arena each winter – the LOUD HOUSE loves a good explosion, and Chaster is more than capable of delivering it: on either side of the ball!
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