Jeff Tambellini

2006-07 Update: May 1, 2007: Jeff Tambellini recorded 2 assists in 4 games played with the New York Islanders during the month of April. Jeff was an unsung hero for the Islanders down their playoff stretch drive, especially in the final weekend of the regular season when they won four straight games. Playing on the Islanders fourth line with Richard Park and Andy Hilbert, Tambellini recorded an assist on the Islanders game winning goal in their 4-2 win at the Philadelphia Flyers on Apr. 7th. He saw 4:29 minutes of ice time in that win. Tambellini also assisted on Park's opening goal in New Jersey against the Devils on Apr. 8th, a game the Islanders won 3-2 in a shootout to qualify for the postseason. He did not see postseason action with the Islanders in their quarterfinal series vs. the Buffalo Sabres. Jeff also played one game for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in April. He recorded 3 assists in a win vs. the Albany River Rats on Apr. 1st. The assists came while on the power play, shorthanded and on an empty net goal. He recorded his 57th point of the AHL season in that game, setting a new career high. 

April 1, 2007: Jeff Tambellini went 8-4-12 in 8 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of March. He went 3-2-5 on the power play. Tambellini had a personal 6 game point scoring streak in which he went 6-4-10 from Mar. 2nd to 17th. He scored a shorthanded goal Mar. 11th vs. Hershey. Tambellini was unsuccessful in a shootout attempt Mar. 10th in a loss vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In between his scoring streak, he was called up to the Islanders to play vs. the Washington Capitals on Mar. 10th. Tambellini played for Bridgeport the night before and was re-assigned to play the next night in the AHL. He was recalled by the Islanders on Mar. 23rd and appeared in the Islanders next 5 games at Philadelphia, vs. the Rangers & Devils, at Buffalo and vs. Ottawa. In between, Tambellini was sent down to Bridgeport for a game at Hartford on Mar. 28th. In his 6 games played with the Islanders in March he was held scoreless and recorded 4 hits. While with the Islanders, Tambellini missed a total of 6 games with Bridgeport.

March 1, 2007: Jeff Tambellini went 2-5-7 in 12 games played with the New York Islanders during the month of February. He was called up to the Islanders on Feb. 1st. Tambellini had not played with the Islanders since the first game of the season at Phoenix Oct. 5th. Playing on a line with Viktor Kozlov and Miroslav Satan, he recorded 3 assists and was a +3 in a 5-2 win at the Atlanta Thrashers on Feb. 1st. Tambellini scored his first goal of the NHL season in a 4-1 win vs. the Boston Bruins on Feb. 15th. It was the first goal of the game against Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas. He also scored the first goal of the game against Jaroslav Halak in a 3-2 win vs. the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 24th. Tambellini also recorded an assist in the Islanders 3-2 win at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 13th. The Islanders are 5-0-0 in games in which Tambellini records a point. He was a +5 on the month. Tambellini was re-assigned to Bridgeport following the NHL trade deadline. He played in 1 scoreless game for the Sound Tigers on Feb. 25th vs. Hartford.

February 1, 2007: Jeff Tambellini went 5-7-12 in 10 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of January. He was a +6. Tambellini is currently on an 8 game point scoring streak in which he has gone 4-7-11 from Jan. 13th to the 27th. On special teams, Jeff went 2-4-6 on the power play and he also recorded a shorthanded assist. He scored the first goal of the game Jan. 24th vs. Binghamton and recorded the game winner Jan. 27th vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Tambellini also assisted on the game winner Jan. 13th vs. Hershey. On Jan. 19th he scored the Sound Tigers only goal in a shootout giving them the win at Philadelphia. In the shootout in January, Jeff went 2/4. He scored twice, both game winners Jan. 10th in a 2-1 win vs. Philadelphia and Jan. 19th at Philadelphia. Tambellini missed on shootout opportunities on Jan 14th vs. Providence and Jan. 20th at Hershey. Jeff recorded points in every Bridgeport game during the month of January except Jan. 10th, though he did score the winner in the shootout that night. Tambellini has been playing on Bridgeport's top line with Frans Nielsen and Robert Nilsson. Bridgeport posted a record of 7-2-1 in January.

January 1, 2007: Jeff Tambellini went 6-7-13 in 13 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the month of December. He had a personal 10 game point scoring streak in which he went 7-9-16 from Nov. 10th to Dec. 6th. He later had a 3 game point scoring streak from Dec. 16th to Dec. 20th in which he went 3-2-5. Tambellini scored the overtime game-winning goal with 23 seconds remaining on Dec. 6th in a win vs. Binghamton. He had his best night as a Sound Tiger on Dec. 16th when he recorded a hat trick and a 4 point game as he also assisted on the game-winning goal vs. Lowell. Tambellini went 1-2-3 on the power play during the month and also added a shorthanded assist.

December 1, 2006: Jeff Tambellini was arguably the Sound Tigers best player during the month of November, leading them offensively going 8-6-14 in 11 games played. He was named one of the three stars of a game five times. Tambellini has a personal 7 game point scoring streak in which he has gone 6-6-12. He was scratched for two games in November: 11/24 vs. Binghamton and 11/25 at Hartford. The Sound Tigers lost both games. Tambellini has struggled a bit in the shootout, going 0/2 in November and is 0/4 on the season.

November 1, 2006: Jeff Tambellini worked hard over the offseason and into the Islanders training camp. He impressed new Islanders coach Ted Nolan and made the team on opening night. Unfortunately Tambellini failed to impress in the Islanders first game on the road in Phoenix and Jeff was replaced in the lineup for the next game by Andy Hilbert. On October 12th Tambellini was sent down to Bridgeport. Nolan has recently stated that Jeff would be the first to be called up should the Islanders need a forward. Tambellini recorded 5 points in the 6 games he played with Bridgeport during the month of October. He did not fair too well in the shootout, going 0 for 2 chances. In his first game with the Sound Tigers Tambellini tallied 2 goals and an assist in Bridgeport's third period come from behind win at the Hartford Wolf Pack (they were down 3-1 entering the third period and scored 5 goals in the third period).

2006-07 Highlights

AHL
* Named second star with 2 goals (1PP) and an assist in 6-3 win at Hartford Wolf Pack October 13, 2006.
* Named third star with a goal in 2-0 win at Portland Pirates November 4, 2006.
* Named third star with a goal and an assist in 6-4 loss at Philadelphia Phantoms November 10, 2006.
* Named second star with a goal (PP) in 3-2 SO loss vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Nov. 15, 2006.
* Named second star with a goal and 2 assists in 5-1 win at Worcester Sharks November 17, 2006.
* Named second star with a goal (PP) and an assist in 6-3 win vs. Norfolk Admirals November 29, 2006.
* Named first star with OT GW goal in 3-2 win vs. Binghamton Senators December 6, 2006.
* Named first star with 3 goals and an assist in 6-4 win vs. Lowell Devils December 16, 2006.
* Named third star with a goal in 3-2 loss vs. the Hartford Wolf Pack December 29, 2006.
* Named first star with a goal & 2 assists in 5-2 win vs. Hershey Bears January 13, 2007.
* Named first star with a goal & SO GW in 3-2 win at Philadelphia Phantoms January 19, 2007.
* Named third star with a goal (PP) in 4-1 win vs. Binghamton Senators January 24, 2007.
* Named first star with a goal (GW) & an assist in 4-1 win vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 1/27/07.
* Named second star with 2 goals (1 PP) in 5-3 loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins March 2, 2007.
* Named second star with a goal (SH) & 2 assists in 5-4 win vs. Hershey Bears March 11, 2007.
* Named third star with 2 goals (PP/EN) in 5-3 win at Norfolk Admirals March 16, 2007.
* Named second star with 3 assists in 4-2 win vs. Albany River Rats April 1, 2007.

NHL
* Named third star with an assist on the game winner in 2-0 win vs. Philadelphia Flyers February 7, 2007.

Jeff Tambellini
Sound Tigers multimedia, Mar. 2, 2007

Click to watch Sound Tigers forward Jeff Tambellini during the game against the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins.  Tambellini talks about his play with the Islanders and what it is going to be like playing against his ex-line-mate and good friend Robert Nilsson.

NIELSEN AND TAMBELLINI CALLED UP TO ISLANDERS
soundtigers.com, Feb. 2, 2007

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers' top scorer, Jeff Tambellini, and linemate Frans Nielsen have been called up to play for the National Hockey League parent club New York Islanders this week. Nielsen was called up on Wednesday, and Tambellini on Thursday. Tambellini leads the Sound Tigers with 22 goals and 44 points to go along with a team-best plus-12 rating. Nielsen, who tied a franchise record with points in 12 straight games this season, has 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points.

Jeff Tambellini had a goal and an assist and Eric Boguniecki added two assists to lift the Bridgeport Sound Tigers to a 4-1 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins before 5,801 fans at the Arena at Harbor Yard on Saturday night. Tambellini extended his points streak to eight games and the Sound Tigers improved to 20-18-1-4, while the Penguins dropped to 29-11-2-3.

The Sound Tigers erased a 1-0 deficit with two late-second period goals. Brandon Nolan netted his fifth of the season when he crashed the goal mouth and batted the puck past Pens' goaltender Andrew Penner. Nolan's goal was set up by Kevin Mitchell and tied the game at a goal apiece at 15:38 of the middle period. Tambellini made it 2-1 Bridgeport when he jammed home a loose puck at 18:51; Boguniecki and Frans Nielsen assisted Tambellini's team-best 22nd tally.

The Sound Tigers extended their lead to 3-1 when Steve Regier deflected a shot by Tambellini for his 11th goal, on the power play, at 9:32 of the third. Boguniecki added his second assist of the night on Regier's insurance goal. Jason Pitton capped the scoring with an unassisted empty-netter, his fifth goal, at 18:59.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers beat the Philadelphia Phantoms in a shootout for the second time in as many meetings between the East Division foes, Friday night in Philadelphia. The Sound Tigers prevailed 3-2 before 8,556 fans at Wachovia Spectrum to improve to 17-17-1-4 and the Phantoms slipped to 15-22-1-3. Jeff Tambellini scored in regulation and netted the only shootout tally, scoring in the first round. Goaltender Wade Dubielewicz denied each of Philadelphia's five shooters.

Tambellini scored his shootout goal against Philly goaltender Scott Munroe who started the game. Munroe was injured during the first round of the shootout and had to be replaced by Martin Houle who came off the bench and was sharp, stopping all four shots in the Phantoms' losing effort.

Jeff Tambellini and Peter Ferraro scored the Sound Tiger goals after Philadelphia's Eric Meloche opened the scoring with an unassisted goal at 15:09 of the first period. Tambellini's team-leading 20th goal of the campaign was assisted by Robert Nilsson and Allan Rourke at 6:41 of the third. Ferraro's ninth goal came on a redirection of Tomas Malec's shot at 8:44. Malec earned his first point as a Sound Tiger and Blake Comeau added an assist on the play. Tony Voce evened the score at 2-2 with a power play tally at 17:50 of the third. Lars Jonsson and Munroe assisted the overtime-forcing goal.

SOUND TIGERS TOP BEARS FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN
soundtigers.com, Jan. 13, 2007

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers defeated the visiting Hershey Bears 5-2 on Saturday night, earning their third consecutive win, before 5,043 fans at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Bridgeport's potent offensive line of Jeff Tambellini, Robert Nilsson and Frans Nielsen led the way, with each player scoring once and adding a pair of assists. Nielsen extended his point scoring streak to 10 games, closing him to within two games of tying the franchise record. The Sound Tigers improved to 16-16-1-3 and the Bears fell to 26-8-3-4.

Jason Pitton opened the scoring with his fourth of the year when he deflected home a feed from Masi Marjamaki to finish a perfectly-executed two-on-one opportunity at 13:58; Mark Wotton also assisted the play. The Sound Tigers grabbed a 2-0 lead on Tambellini's power play tally, a shot from the high slot set up by Nilsson and Nielsen just 2:02 into the second period. Tambellini leads the Sound Tigers with 18 goals. Hershey's Alexandre Giroux scored when he jammed home a loose puck in the crease at 8:46 of the middle period, but Nilsson regained the Sound Tigers' two-goal edge with his eight of the campaign, at the 13:55, set up by linemates Tambellini and Nielsen.

The Sound Tigers padded their lead in the third when Peter Ferraro stole the puck from behind Hershey's net and set up Eric Boguniecki for his seventh goal and a 4-1 advantage. Boguniecki fired a shot past Hershey goalie Daren Machesney and just under the crossbar at 1:06 of the third. Blake Comeau also earned an assist on Boguniecki's goal. Nielsen scored during a delayed penalty call for a 5-1 lead at the 15:53 mark. Nilsson and Tambellini assisted the final Sound Tiger tally. The Bears got one back on Giroux's second of the night, and team-leading 29th of the season at 16:03.

Jeff Tambellini scored a hat-trick to help the Bridgeport Sound Tigers overcome an early 3-0 deficit and defeat the Lowell Devils 6-4 before 4,734 fans at the Arena at Harbor Yard on Saturday night. Tambellini's three-goal performance gives him 15 tallies to lead the team. The Sound Tigers won their third straight home game and improved to 12-9-1-3 and Lowell fell to 14-12-2-1.

Trailing 3-1 to start the second period, the Sound Tigers capped a four-goal rally with three tallies on four shots in a span of just 2:27 to open the second period. After Tambellini's first goal, late in the first period, Jeremy Colliton extended his point streak to eight games when he used his size and strength to get around a Lowell defenseman to score and get the Sound Tigers within a goal at 3-2 at 2:02 of the second period. Petteri Nokelainen knotted the game at 3-3 with his first goal of the season just 40 seconds later. At 4:29, Tambellini finished a perfectly executed give and go pass play with Robert Nilsson to score for a 4-3 lead. Nilsson and Frans Nielsen both had three assists for the Sound Tigers who matched their highest offensive outburst of the season.

After the Devils tied the game 4-4 on a Dan McGillis goal at 15:11 of the middle period, Steve Regier regained Bridgeport's lead with his eighth of the season at the 17:22 mark with what proved to be the decisive goal. Tambellini scored his third goal, in the third period, to seal the win.

Jeff Tambellini scored with just 23 seconds remaining in overtime to lift the Bridgeport Sound Tigers to a thrilling 3-2 win over the Binghamton Senators before 2,994 fans at the Arena at Harbor Yard on Wednesday night. Blake Comeau, who tied the score with just 4:10 remaining in regulation, set up Tambellini's game winner. The Sound Tigers improved to 11-8-1-3 and Binghamton earned a point but fell to 7-14-1-2, as the Sound Tigers beat Binghamton for the third time in four meetings between the East Division rivals.

Tambellini scored on a high wrist shot after he took a feed from Comeau on a two-on-one break just after the Sound Tigers killed off a Binghamton power play. Tambellini's goal extended his point streak to 10 games and Jeremy Colliton, who scored in the second period the Sound Tigers, ran his goal-scoring streak to five games. Colliton also assisted Comeau's goal.

THOMPSON, SOUND TIGERS TOPPLE SHARKS 5-1
soundtigers.com, Nov. 17, 2006

WORCESTER, MASS - Bridgeport Sound Tigers' goaltender Billy Thompson kicked aside 39 shots, Jeff Tambellini extended his goal-scoring streak to four games, and the Sound Tigers toppled the Worcester Sharks 5-1 at the DCU Center on Friday night. The Sound Tigers improved to 7-5-0-3 and the Sharks fell to 7-4-0-3 in a battle of Eastern Conference foes.

Tambellini and Robert Nilsson both had three points and Frans Nielsen added a goal and an assist for the Sound Tigers who had their most decisive win and handed Worcester its most lopsided loss this season. Thompson earned his first win and the game's first star honors as the Sound Tigers continue to frustrate tough competition while on the road.

Despite getting out-shot 32-18 through the first two periods, the Sound Tigers built a 4-1 advantage behind a late second-period flurry. Tambellini and Nilsson both scored in the final 1:31 of the middle period as the Sound Tigers pulled away. Tambellini scored his team-leading ninth goal when he beat Worcester goaltender Dimitri Patzold on a breakaway set up by Nilsson at 18:29 of the second for a 3-1 lead. Nilsson then scored on the power play, the first of his two goals, at 19:57 to make it 4-1. Nilsson scored again in the third period, his fifth goal this year, for a 5-1 cushion.

BRIDGEPORT — The deep forward corps of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers picked up another sharpshooter last week when Jeff Tambellini came down from the New York Islanders.

It's the other contributions Tambellini can make that excite coach Dan Marshall. "A goal scorer who backchecks is pretty rare," Marshall said. "That's a bonus."

Tambellini scored two goals and added an assist Friday in his first AHL game of the season. The left winger also stepped right into the penalty kill. That versatility helped make Tambellini, 22, a first-round draft pick in 2003. It also helped him land an opening-day spot on the Islanders. "For a second-year guy, I was pretty proud of myself," Tambellini said. "Sticking there, that's the hard part."

Tambellini was one of the stories of the Islanders' training camp last month in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Marshall said Tambellini, son of former NHLer Steve Tambellini, arrived there in outstanding physical condition. "He brought it every day: intensity, speed, tenacity on the forecheck," Marshall said. "He worked hard, and he was pretty consistent in his overall play."

Consistency is one of Tambellini's biggest goals for the season. He played 25 NHL games last season, including 21 with the Islanders after he was acquired in a trade-deadline deal with Los Angeles. If he can be reliable every night, he can get a call back up. "The level of play up there, that's the highest jump of any other league, whether junior to college, college to pro," Tambellini said. "To be able to stick at that level of play, you have to get used to that pace."

Speed and talent are givens for Tambellini, as well as most of his fellow forwards. With his arrival, nine of the Sound Tigers' 13 active forwards were picked in the first three rounds of an NHL draft, including four first-rounders. Marshall has to pick 11 of them to dress every game, including Friday's home opener against Hartford. Tambellini gives him an excellent option. Tambellini settled down after a rocky start last Friday — he took two penalties in the first period — to score three points. The next night, a 4-1 loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Tambellini had a team-high five shots. "Obviously he helped us offensively, speed-wise. He played the (penalty kill). He's great for the locker room, too," Marshall said. "Everybody knows he puts the team first."

Tambellini hopes for better Halifax result
by Glenn MacDonald, the Chronicle Herald, Sept. 23, 2006

Positive start for Tambellini
by Greg Logan, Newsday, Sept. 18, 2006

YARMOUTH, Nova Scotia -- If there's room on the Islanders' roster for only one pint-sized speed merchant, then Jeff Tambellini took an early lead over Robert Nilsson with one goal and one assist in the Blue-White scrimmage yesterday at the Mariners Centre.

If Tambellini makes the team, it won't be because of his legacy as the son of former Islander Steve Tambellini, a member of their first two Stanley Cup champions in 1980-81 and the current assistant general manager in Vancouver. Coach Ted Nolan said it depends on who shows the most grit to go with his offensive skills.

Tambellini and Nilsson took turns playing with veteran winger Viktor Kozlov, the best player on the ice yesterday, but Kozlov's goal and assist in the White team's 3-2 win came when he was paired with Tambellini and walk-on center Jamie Johnson in the final two periods. Nilsson played with Kozlov and Alexei Yashin in the opening period, but nothing happened. "He didn't do much," Nolan said of Nilsson. "And you have to do much. That's the reality. You can't say, 'Well, I didn't have a very good first four days.' You won't get those four days back."

At 5-11, Tambellini and Nilsson come from the same mold. Nilsson, the 15th overall pick in the 2003 draft by the Islanders, produced six goals and 14 assists in 53 games last season. Tambellini, the 27th overall pick by the Los Angeles Kings in 2003, had a goal and three assists in 21 games with the Islanders at the end of last season.

Aside from Kozlov, Nolan called Tambellini the MVP. "Out of all the young guys, I thought Tambellini was probably the one who stood out, not because he scored the goal," Nolan said. "It's because he played hard and wanted it more."

2005-06 Update: May 1, 2006 Update: Jeff Tambellini went scoreless in 9 games played with the New York Islanders during the month of April. He was returned to Bridgeport on April 19th to take part in their first round playoff series vs. the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He wore #9 with the Sound Tigers.

Playoffs: Made Sound Tigers debut in Game 1 on April 20th. Scored the first goal of the game in Game 2, a 3-2 Bridgeport win that put them up 2 games to 0 in the series over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In the series, Tambellini went 1-2-3 in 7 games played and was a -3. He assisted on a goal by Rob Collins in Game 2 and also assisted on a goal by Denis Grebeshkov in Game 3, a 3-2 overtime loss in Bridgeport. In Game 6 Maxime Talbot scored the game winning overtime goal when he shot a puck that deflected over Wade Dubielewicz off of Tambellini's stick. He was also involved in a bad deflection in Game 4 when the puck deflected of his knee and into the Bridgeport net for a 1-0 loss. Tambellini was a -3 in Game 7, a 5-4 loss. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton won the series 4 games to 3.

Highlights:

* Named second star with a goal & an assist in 3-2 win at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton April 22, 2006. (Gm 2)

April 1, 2006 Update: Jeff Tambellini went 1-3-4 in 12 games played with the New York Islanders during the month of March. He scored his first NHL goal on March 14, 2006 at the Continental Airlines Arena against Martin Brodeur in a 6-1 Islander win. It was also the first goal of the game. Will be sent to Bridgeport at the end of the Islanders season to take part in the playoffs with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Acquired: Has arrived to the Islanders along with D Denis Grebeshkov and a conditional third round draft pick in 2006 in exchange for RW Mark Parrish and D Brent Sopel.

For Tambellini, dressing in the Islanders' locker room holds special meaning. His father, Steve, won a Stanley Cup with the 1980 Islanders. Although it happened nearly four years before he was born, Jeff still feels a bit of nostalgia.

"It is special for me to be here," he said. "My father talked about that team a lot and what a great team it was. I'm just thrilled to be here. It's all very exciting."

islesinfo.com 3/8/06: Look for him to possibly make his Islander debut Friday night at the Coliseum vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs. Whenever he does lace up the skates for the Islanders expect him to wear #15.

From THN's 2006 Future Watch: Ranked 4th among King's prospects and 42nd among the NHL's top 50. Anyone who listened to coach Andy Murray at the start of the season wouldn't have expected to see Tambellini in a Kings uniform this season. Tambellini had a poor training camp, but dazzled in Manchester with 14 goals and 25 points in his first 18 games. So when the Kings went through a dry spell and needed some speed and scoring, Tambellini got the call. He was a consistent performer and, in just his third NHL game, he skated on the Kings' top line with Craig Conroy and Pavol Demitra. Acquired: 2003 entry draft, 27th overall.

Pre-Islander Highlights with Manchester:

* Made AHL debut with Manchester in 4-3 loss at Hartford Wolf Pack October 8, 2005
* Scored his first AHL goal and assist in 5-1 win vs. Philadelphia Phantoms October 29, 2005
* Named 1st star with a goal, 2 assists & GW SO goal in 4-3 win vs. Hartford Wolf Pack Oct. 30, 2005
( went 2-3-5 in 6 games played in October. Was scratched October 15th )
* Named 3rd star with a goal(GW) and 2 assists at Bridgeport Sound Tigers November 4, 2005
( had 3 game point scoring streak from 10/30 to 11/4 going 3-5-8 )
* Named 1st star with 2 goals(1 PP) both in final 2 minutes in 6-5 SO win at Springfield Falcons 11/10/05
* Named 2nd star with 2 goals and an assist in 6-5 win vs. Hershey Bears November 12, 2005
* Named 1st star with 2 goals(1 PP) and an assist in 4-3 win at Providence Bruins November 18, 2005
* Named 3rd star with a goal(OT, PP, GW) in 5-4 win at Lowell Lock Monsters November 20, 2005
* Named 2nd star with 2 goals and an assist in 5-4 SO loss at Portland Pirates November 23, 2005
* Named 2nd star with a goal(PP) in 2-1 SO win vs. Hartford Wolf Pack on November 25, 2005
( had 9 game point scoring streak from 11/10 to 11/26 going 11-6-17 )
( went 12-8-20, +9 in 11 games played during November. Did not play November 29th; called up to LA )
( had 4 game assist streak from 12/14 to 12/21 with 4 assists )
* Named 1st star with GW SO goal in 3-2 win at Portland Pirates December 23, 2005.
* Named 1st star with 2 goals in 4-0 win at Springfield Falcons December 30, 2005.
( went 3-5-8 in 10 games played during December. Did not play Dec. 2nd, 3rd & 4th; called up to LA )
( had a 4 game point scoring streak from 12/28 to 1/6 going 2-3-5. SO goal separated this & last streak )
* Named 1st star with 1 goal and 2 assists in 5-3 win vs. Springfield Falcons January 8, 2006.
* Named 1st star with a goal and an assist in 6-3 win at Hartford Wolf Pack January 18, 2006.
* Named 1st star with 2 assists in 4-1 win at Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights January 20, 2006.
( had a 4 game point scoring streak from 1/18 to 1/22 going 3-3-6 )
( went 4-8-12 in 13 games played during January )
( played in the AHL All-Star Game February 1, 2006 for the Canadian All-Stars )
( had a personal 4 game point scoring streak from 2/4 to 2/15 going 1-4-5 )
* Named 3rd star with a goal and an assist in 4-2 loss at Portland Pirates February 24, 2006.
( had 4 game point scoring streak from 2/19 to 2/25 going 2-3-5 )
( went 4-7-11 in 13 games played during February. Missed game on February 10th )
( went scoreless in 2 games played with Manchester in March before trade to New York Islanders )

Back in action
By Doyle Potenteau, Kelowna Daily Courier-Local - Apr. 23, 2006

"It's a nice city, a nice building," said Comeau, who is playing alongside veteran Rob Collins, 28, and rookie Jeff Tambellini. Comeau is the line's gritty player, as both Collins, at 5-10, Tambellini, at 5-11, are under six feet.
Keen Rockets fans may remember Tambellini.
The small but talented left winger opted to play U.S. college hockey instead of traveling the major junior route and was drafted by the L.A. Kings 27th overall in 2003. This season, after shuttling between L.A. and its AHL farm team, the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings traded him on March 8 to New York, where he played 21 games with the Isles, who failed to make the NHL's postseason.
In between getting drafted and traded, Tambellini played three seasons with the University of Michigan. And in early 2004, the Rockets acquired his rights from the Spokane Chiefs just prior to the roster deadline of Jan. 10, the same season Kelowna played host to the Memorial Cup. But instead of taking up Kelowna's offer for 2004 and 2004-05, Tambellini chose to stay with Michigan.
Of course, the Rockets went on to win the 2004 Memorial Cup, the WHL championship in 2005 and a fourth-place finish at the '05 Memorial Cup. At the same time, Michigan went on to win back-to-back CCHA regular-season division titles, but failed to make the national championship Frozen Four tournament, getting ousted in the second-round, Elite Eight quarter-finals both times.
In 2004, Michigan failed to win the CCHA playoff title, losing 4-2 to Ohio State. One year later, Michigan flipped the tables on OSU, winning 4-2, but was later ousted in the second round of the NCAA playoffs, 4-3 to Colorado College.
"Yeah, I'm going to have to razz him about that, not wanting to report," chortled Comeau. "We really had two great seasons there.

Jump-Starter Jeff
by Mike Scandura - AHL/New England Journal - Dec. 27, 2005

The phrase "out with the old and in with the new " may not be carved into the front entrance to the Verizon Wireless Center.

But it certainly would be appropriate if it were, given the new look sported by the Manchester Monarchs.

Of the 17 new players on their roster, 10 are rookies and nine are 22 years or younger. And, of course, Manchester has a new head coach in Jim Hughes, who was an assistant to the deposed Bruce Boudreau.

Not surprisingly, the Monarchs didn’t get off to a flying start, and were wallowing in the depths of the Atlantic Division early on. But as much as anyone, left wing Jeff Tambellini has played a key role in Manchester's recent march toward first place. (Tambellini is the son of 10-year NHL veteran and current Vancouver vice president Steve Tambellini).

Through Dec. 26 Manchester (19-7-1-3) was in second, one point behind Portland and one ahead of third-place Hartford. Tambellini, a rookie who was the Los Angeles Kings' first-round pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, has posted 15-24-29 totals after being so far off the radar screen that he was invisible.

"Jeff has been a surprise because in the rookie camp and in the regular main camp he wasn't a factor," said Monarchs director of hockey operations Hubie McDonough. "We sat him in our home opener and he didn't get off to a good start at all [Tambellini was scoreless in his first four games]. And then he kind of found himself.

"One thing led to another and all of a sudden he was rookie of the month [November] and the got the call to L.A. [actually two calls, on Nov. 22 and Nov. 30]. He got that opportunity which is what we're here for."

In McDonough's opinion, Tambellini played a bit soft at first. And that left organization officials shaking their heads.

"I think, quite frankly, he was playing a little bit shy," said McDonough. "He was playing on the outside. Then he started to play on the inside. He started to get more involved in the game, taking some hits and giving some hits."

Tambellini also began giving opposing goaltenders fits with a shot that looks like it could dent a brick wall. And as his confidence and scoring improved, Hughes also started playing him on special teams.

"His shot is incredible but we never saw that all through training camp," said McDonough. "Then, all of a sudden he started finding the holes and scoring goals.

"We kind of set him up and he got some power-play goals [4 of Tambellini's 15 goals have come with a man advantage] and our power play started doing a little better."

Once Tambellini started playing better so did Manchester's top line, which also includes center Connor James (8-12-20) and veteran right wing Brad Smyth (11-19-30).

"When Jeff started to click with Brad and Connor, they just evolved into a very good line for us," said McDonough. "

Scratch spurs Tambellini to new heights
By Lindsay Kramer | NHL.com - Nov. 24, 2005

Manchester rookie left winger Jeff Tambellini had a lot of time to think when his team hosted Springfield in the Monarchs' home opener Oct. 15.

Too much time, by his reckoning. Sixty minutes of a ticking hockey clock, to be precise. For a player sitting out as a healthy scratch for the first time in his life, that feels like a week.

"If you've never heard it said to you, it doesn't sink in," Tambellini said of being told to take a seat. "I was irate that night I wasn't playing."

Sure, Tambellini got mad. Then he got even against the rest of the AHL.

Tambellini, who had no points through his first four games, has ripped off 19 (11 goals, 8 assists) in his last 10 contests to tie for the points lead among AHL rookies. He traces the run to the message sent by Monarchs coach Jim Hughes on that night he played spectator following a pair of listless games.

"I owe a lot of credit to my coach. It was a big wakeup call," Tambellini said. "It made me take a step back and appreciate the game on a nightly basis."

Tambellini was initially soothed by a call to his father, Steve, assistant general manager of the Canucks. Jeff said pops told him to take a step back and absorb the bigger picture. Hockey is a business now, jobs are on the line and there's always a reason for the tough personnel decisions.

Jeff drew a deep breath and converted his anger to focus. He decided he needed to take greater ownership of his game in making the transition from the University of Michigan to the pros.

Hughes was talking tweaks, not an overhaul. Tambellini didn't become Los Angeles' first-round pick in the 2003 draft because his game had gaping holes.

"After (getting scratched), I figured there's nothing to lose out there," Tambellini said. "Don't be afraid to step in and do what you do best. If you concentrate on the little details of the game ... things start working out for you. You start getting 2-on-1 rushes, (defensive) breakdowns. That's half the battle, too, just trying to find out what works in this league."

Since Tambellini began to crack the code, the Monarchs, who feature eight rookies, have been one of the most exciting teams in the league. Of the team's 10 wins, seven have come in overtime or via the shootout.

"You don't see too many people leaving the building with five minutes left and (Manchester) down by a goal," Tambellini said. "It's fun to play on a team that makes it interesting every night."

Especially when you're part of the action.

In past seasons, top flight college draftees such as Jeff Tambellini might have stayed for all four years. But the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and the changes in NHL draft rights have changed all that. Many players such as Tambellini have taken an early professional plunge. 

"He left Michigan early as a junior," said LA General Manager Dave Taylor, "which I think we're going to see a lot of, with the new CBA. It also made sense that we could sign him to a three year contract, rather than a two-year contract next year. We like him very much. He's got elite speed and he can really shoot the puck. He's had a solid start in Manchester. 

Tambellini, son of former NHL player Steve Tambellini, can hit high gear in a flash, and has a very hard shot, which, heading into the season's home stretch, had netted him 23 goals. A dozen of those tallies came in November, but he has tailed off significantly since then. 

"I think it's just a matter of him getting comfortable with the pro game," said Taylor. "We want to see him play inside, to use that speed to drive to the net. Besides, with that great shot, when you get closer, you're going to get more chances to score. He's always been a scorer. He has that kind of speed, and we think that he can make plays. We think that he projects to be a first or second line guy, certainly a top six guy. Certainly with the new rules, he's the type of player that can really benefit.  I like the fact that he's not very tall, but very fit and very strong."

Inside College Hockey
By Mike Eidelbes - Jan. 15, 2004

• With the amount of talent that has recently left the CCHA for other playing opportunities – or lack thereof, in the case of R.J. Umberger – it was somewhat of a relief when Jeff Tambellini shunned overtures from the Western Hockey League’s Kelowna Rockets and remained in Ann Arbor.

Maybe some opposing coaches, players and fans weren’t relieved. But for a league that desperately lacks star power, it was nice to see a marquee name stick around.

“You listen to whatever they’ve got to say, but when it comes down to it you look at the best situation,” Tambellini said. “And I felt that leaving school…doesn’t do anything for me at all.”

Despite his remarks above, Tambellini’s decision to stay wasn’t as easy as he made it sound. A source close to INCH reported that the sophomore forward was strongly considering making the jump to Kelowna – which had success in luring college players to the major junior ranks in the past – after the team acquired his rights from the Spokane Chiefs in a trade deadline deal a week ago.

Shortly after the trade was consummated, Kelowna general manager Bruce Hamilton said he was rolling the dice on Tambellini and hoped that the allure of playing for the host Rockets in the Memorial Cup, the Canadian Hockey League’s championship event, in May would attract his latest acquisition.

”I wasn’t surprised at all,” Tambellini said of the trade. “I knew it was coming. It was kind of neat. I’ve never been traded before.

Deep world junior roots
Tambellini eager to play for Canada 25 years after dad wore Maple Leaf
By MIKE KOREEN, Winnipeg Sun Media - Dec. 13, 2003

KITCHENER, Ont. -- Steve Tambellini doesn't have to recharge his brain to recall his world junior hockey championship experience. "It was 1978 in Montreal and Gretzky made his explosion," the Vancouver Canucks vice president of player personnel said yesterday. "He was the focus of the tournament. It was a fantastic experience and it's like that any time you're representing Canada."

Young Jeff Tambellini has grown up listening to his dad's stories and knows all about the importance of wearing a red Maple Leaf on a sweater. With a few good days at the Canadian junior selection camp here, the University of Michigan forward/Calgary native could go where no son of a Canadian hockey player has gone before.

FIRST FATHER-SON DUO

If Jeff, 19, makes the team -- possibly giving him the chance to play with Sidney Crosby, who some are the calling the next Gretzky -- it will become the first father-son duo to represent Canada at the world juniors.

Tales of international glory have motivated Jeff Tambellini for years.

His grandfather, Addie, won gold for Canada with the Trail Smoke Eaters at the 1961 world championship in Switzerland.

When Jeff played for Canada's under-18 team in 2001, the Tambellini's became the first family to represent Canada in three generations.

"(Addie) tells me about the atmosphere over there, how they were treated and the adversity they went through to win those games," Jeff Tambellini said. "It's a pretty neat experience to be the last amateur team to win over there."

The pressure of being the son of a two-time Stanley Cup winner hasn't negatively affected Tambellini, who was selected 27th overall by the Los Angeles Kings last year.

HAS TO FIND A WAY

"I think any kid that gets to this (high) level has to find a way to deal with those issues and to learn how to handle it," Steve Tambellini said.

"It's very important for all kids in that situation (with an ex-NHLer as a father) to (leave their own mark). Nobody can make the sacrifices for them and nobody does the work for them."

The only college player at the 36-player camp, Jeff Tambellini passed on the Western Hockey League (he was drafted by the Spokane Chiefs) to further his education at Michigan. Part of that decision revolved around wanting to follow his dad's footsteps.

"That's the game plan," said the well-spoken Tambellini, who plans to major in business.

"I want to base myself with the (business) background ... so I can jump into the management side of hockey after my playing career is over."

Michigan's top scorer in his freshman year last season, Tambellini plays for an NCAA program that has produced five Canadian world junior players, second only to North Dakota with eight.

Manchester Monarchs Bio

2004-2005 Season: Alternate captain at the University of Michigan (Central Collegiate Hockey Association)…Led the Wolverines in points (57), goals (24), assists (33) and game-winning goals (5)…Compiled 32 penalty minutes in 42 games…Received the CCHA’s Scholar Athlete Award…Selected to the All-CCHA First Team…Named the CCHA Tournament MVP after scoring the game-winning goal in Michigan’s, 4-2, victory over Ohio State on March 19, 2005 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit…Added three more goals and five points (3-2=5) in two NCAA tournament games with the Wolverines…A three-time CCHA Player of the Week in 2004-05.

Career Highlights: Registered 129 points (65-64=129) and 74 penalty minutes in 124 career games with the Wolverines…The son of Steve Tambellini, a 10-year NHL veteran and vice president of the Vancouver Canucks.

Transactions: Selected by the Kings in the first-round (27th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft…Agreed to terms on a multi-year entry-level contract with the Kings on August 15, 2005.

Tambellini Earns Third CCHA Player of the Week Award
February 21, 2005 - mgoblue.com

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Junior forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team was tabbed the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Offensive Player of the Week on Monday (Feb. 21). Tambellini had two goals and four assists in Michigan's sweep of Notre Dame over the weekend (Feb. 18-19). He has three CCHA Player of the Week laurels this season.

Tambellini had a pair of helpers Friday night (Feb. 18) as the Wolverines buried Notre Dame 9-2 in Fort Wayne, Ind. His first assist was on the eventual game-winning goal.

On Saturday (Feb. 19), Tambellini notched a single-game career high with four points on two goals and two assists in a 6-3 victory at Yost Ice Arena. He again assisted on the game-winning tally. Tambellini had previously recorded three points on eight occasions throughout his career.

Tambellini also earned CCHA Offensive Player of the Week award on Nov. 8 and Jan. 10. Additionally, he was Inside College Hockey.com's National Player of the Week honor and U.S. College Hockey Online's National Offensive Player of the Week on Nov. 8. Tambellini is second on the team in points (42) and goals (16) and is first in assists (26) and plus/minus (+24).

Tambellini Helps U-M Complete Weekend Sweep of Irish
February 19, 2005 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 6-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 6-3 tonight (Saturday, Feb. 19) in front of 6,938 fans at Yost Ice Arena. Michigan finished off the sweep with the help of Jeff Tambellini's (Port Moody, B.C) career-high four points (2-2-4) to extend its season-best unbeaten streak to seven games (5-0-2).

The Maize and Blue opened the scoring at 4:55 of the first period. Tambellini slid the puck behind the net, where T.J. Hensick (Howell, Mich.) quickly backhanded it out front to Kevin Porter (Northville, Mich.) from the left corner. Porter jammed it top-shelf from point-blank range, giving Michigan the early lead.

The Wolverines capitalized again at 12:24 on their first power play of the night. Eric Werner (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.) took the first shot, a rocket that Notre Dame goaltender deflected to his right. Tambellini found the rebound and fired it back on goal, beating David Brown five-hole.

With less than two minutes to go in the contest, Tambellini used finesse from a tough angle to find space high stick side on Brown while streaking down the right wing. Nineteen seconds later, Matt Amado flew over the blue line into Wolverine territory and beat Montoya at 18:29. Moss closed the door at 19:44 with an empty-netter, handing the Irish a 6-3 final score.

Tambellini, Hensick Net Two Each in Victory Over Broncos
January 7, 2005 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A buzzing crowd packed Yost Ice Arena Friday (Jan. 7) to witness battling power plays as the University of Michigan ice hockey team toppled Western Michigan 6-4. Half of the scoring came from the power-play units, with WMU tallying three and Michigan landing two goals with the extra attacker. Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) scored the game-winning goal and tied a career high with three points (2-1-3), while Milan Gajic (Burnaby, B.C.) tied a season high with another three-point effort (1-2-3).

WMU tied the contest at two after a scramble down low in the Wolverine zone on the Bronco power play. With Montoya sprawling on the right side of the net, Mike Erickson flipped the puck over Montoya's stick and just inside the left post at 7:21. Just 37 seconds later, Tambellini caught Bellisimo sleeping off the faceoff, blasting the puck through his five-hole to once again gain the U-M lead.

The third stanza began with the Maize and Blue leading by one goal. At 5:05, Tambellini earned his second goal of the game with a short-side, bad-angle rocket that skimmed the goal line behind Belllissimo and bounced in the net.

Tambellini Named CCHA Offensive Player of the Week
November 8, 2004 - mgoblue.com

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Junior forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday (Nov. 8). Tambellini had five goals and one assist as Michigan defeated Miami (Ohio) in a two-game series at Yost Ice Arena on Nov. 5-6.

On Friday night (Nov. 5), Tambellini notched his second career hat trick en route to U-M's 5-2 victory. Tambellini had two tallies on the power play and one at even strength. On Saturday (Nov. 6), Tambellini added two more goals, including the game-winner, and one assist to up his weekend line to 5-1-6. Also, he recorded a team game-high +4 rating.

Tambellini is the first Wolverine to earn a CCHA Player of the Week award this season. In September, he was selected to the preseason All-CCHA second team. As a freshman in 2002-03, he won the CCHA Rookie of Week award on four occasions en route to receiving CCHA Rookie of the Year accolades.

Tambellini Saves Trick for Miami, Nets Three in Victory
November 5, 2004 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 3-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team defeated Miami (Ohio) by a 5-2 count tonight (Friday, Nov. 5) at Yost Ice Arena. Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) led U-M with his second career hat trick, and David Moss (Livonia, Mich.) notched assists on all three of Tambellini's goals for his first career playmaker.

Michigan struck early as Tambellini fired a one-timer past Miami's netminder from the top of the right faceoff circle at 1:40 into the first period. Moss picked up the helper on Michigan's first tally.

Tambellini opened the second period with a rocket that beat Brandon Crawford-West high glove side at 2:47, giving Michigan the one-goal lead. While on the power play, Moss fed Tambellini from the lower right circle into open space on the far wing.

Tambellini made it three goals on the night to notch his second career hat trick at 15:16 in the third period. Moss saw Tambellini waiting near the right faceoff side and hit him with a quick pass. Tambellini jammed the puck past Crawford-West, extending Michigan's lead to 4-1.

Tambellini, Hunwick Added to Final World Junior Rosters
December 16, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Sophomore forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) and freshman defenseman Matt Hunwick (Sterling Heights, Mich.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team will join their respective countries at the 2004 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships scheduled for Dec. 26, 2003-Jan. 5, 2004, in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland.

Tambellini is the lone U.S. college player on Canada's final 22-man roster, released Tuesday morning (Dec. 16). Tambellini, who has been practicing with Team Canada since Dec. 12, scored three goals during two exhibition contests, as the Canadian team was pared down to 22 players from 34.

Hunwick, added to the U.S. World Junior roster Monday (Dec. 15), will replace Harvard defenseman Dylan Reese, who cannot attend the tournament due to injury. Hunwick joins Wolverine sophomore goaltender Al Montoya (Glenview, Ill.) on the U.S. squad.

This season, Tambellini leads the Wolverines with nine goals in 16 games. He was the Maize and Blue's leading scorer in 2002-03 with 26-19-45 totals en route to earning Central Collegiate Hockey Association Rookie of the Year laurels. One of just nine players to play in all 18 games this season, Hunwick has tallied four assists as part of Michigan's top blue line pairing.

The Canadian Junior National team will play two exhibition contests prior to the championship, facing Sweden's junior team on Dec. 21 in Marsta, Sweden, before challenging Austria on Dec. 23 in Riihimaki, Finland. Canada opens the 2004 World Junior Championship against Finland on Dec. 26.

Players on the U.S. team will gather in New York City on Dec. 18 before travelling to Finland for an exhibition game against the host country's junior team on Dec. 23 in Hameenlinna. Team USA will open World Junior Championship play against Austria on Dec. 26. USA Hockey's website will carry live audio of every U.S. game during the tournament.

Tambellini Lone Collegian Invited to Team Canada Camp
December 1, 2003 - mgoblue.com

CALGARY, Alberta -- Sophomore forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team was invited to Team Canada's World Junior Championship team selection camp, Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League announced today (Monday, Dec. 1). The camp is scheduled to take place Dec. 11-18 in Kitchener, Ontario.

The only U.S. college player selected among 34 of Canada's top players under the age of 20 years old, Tambellini hopes to be one of 22 players chosen to represent Canada in the upcoming International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, scheduled for Dec. 26, 2003-Jan. 4, 2004 in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland.

Tambellini, who last August attended Canada's initial training camp in Calgary, Alberta, currently leads the Wolverines with nine goals through 14 games this season. His 12 points rank second on the team. In 2002-03, he led the Wolverines with 26-19-45 totals in 43 games. He was named Central Collegiate Hockey Association Rookie of the Year and won the Dekers' Club Award as Michigan's most colorful rookie.

Tricked Again! Tambellini Trio Produces Michigan Win
October 18, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Sophomore forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) picked a good time to notch his first career hat trick as his three markers propelled the University of Michigan ice hockey team to a 3-2 victory over Quinnipiac Saturday night (Oct. 18) at Yost Ice Arena. The win completed U-M's weekend sweep of the visiting Bobcats.

One minute into the second frame, Tambellini converted Michigan's sixth power-play opportunity to give the Wolverines a 1-0 lead. Tambellini, who was stationed at the top of the slot, received a pass from junior Brandon Rogers (Rocherster, N.H.) and fired a shot through a screen by junior Eric Nystrom (Syosset, N.Y.) and past Eddy through the five-hole.

Following Tambellini's goal, Eddy continued to turn the Wolverines away, denying them repeatedly on point-blank opportunities. Michigan was unable to convert on two more power-play opportunities midway through the period due to Eddy's excellent play.

Tambellini netted his second marker of the night at 14:32 into the second period and put the Wolverines up 2-0 when he beat Eddy on a rebound shot. The initial shot from freshman David Rohlfs (Northville, Mich.) was saved by Eddy, but Tambellini pounced on the rebound on the right side of the crease and beat a sprawled out Eddy from an tough angle.

Tambellini completed his first career hat trick with just over seven minutes remaining in the third period to give the Wolverines a 3-2 lead. Tambellini fired a wrist shot through traffic after freshman T.J. Hensick (Howell, Mich.) won the faceoff back to him in the right circle. The shot eluded the Quinnipiac goaltender, who appeared to be screened on the shot, and went in the upper left hand corner of the Bobcat net.

Tambellini's third marker of the night proved to be the eventual game-winner as Montoya denied the Bobcats on a number of point-blank opportunities in the last five minutes of the third period.

Three Wolverines to Attend National Evaluation Camps
August 4, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Goaltender Al Montoya (Glenview, Ill.) and defenseman Danny Richmond (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team have traveled to the U.S. Junior National team's evaluation camp that began yesterday (Sunday, Aug. 3) at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, N.Y. Forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) has been selected to attend Canada's junior evaluation camp, which will begin Aug. 9.

Montoya, Richmond and Tambellini will vie for spots on their county's final junior national team roster for the 2004 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, which will be held Dec. 25, 2003-Jan. 5, 2004, in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland.

Montoya and Richmond join 41 of the top U.S. players under the age of 20 for the seven-day evaluation camp, which will include exhibition contests between two U.S. teams (Blue and White) and under-20 select teams from Finland and Sweden. Michigan has had at least two members on the U.S. Junior National team roster for the last five seasons, including forwards Dwight Helminen (Brighton, Mich.) and Eric Nystrom (Syosset, N.Y.) on last year's squad.

Tambellini, the lone U.S. college hockey player on the Team Canada's 44-man camp roster, will look to be the sixth Wolverine ever to make the Canadian Junior National team, and first since Mike Cammalleri (2000-02) in 2001 and 2002. Canada's camp begins Saturday (Aug. 9) and will run until Aug. 18 in Calgary, Alberta.

Last year at the 2003 World Junior Championship, Canada earned the silver medal, while the U.S. squad finished fourth in its best performance at the championship since 2000.

Tambellini, Richmond Chosen on First Day of NHL Draft
June 21, 2003 - mgoblue.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) and Danny Richmond (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team were selected Saturday (June 21) on the first day of the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft held at Gaylord Sports Arena, home of the Nashville Predators. Tambellini, who will be a U-M sophomore in 2003-04, went in the first round, No. 27 overall, to the Los Angeles Kings, while classmate Richmond was selected moments later by the Carolina Hurricanes as the first pick of the second round.

Tambellini, a wing, was the Kings' third pick of the opening round and fourth collegiate player drafted. Minnesota's Thomas Vanek was the first collegian taken, going No. 5 overall to the Buffalo Sabres. Tambellini was taken among a flurry of collegiate draftees, as six college players were taken between picks No. 17 and No. 31. He is the ninth Wolverine ever to be taken in the first round or the NHL Entry Draft.

The fifth Wolverine in the last six years to be tabbed in the first round, Tambellini joins teammate Eric Nystrom (Syosset, N.Y.), who was taken 10th overall by the Calgary Flames last year. In 2001, Mike Komisarek (2001-02) was the Montreal Canadien's choice at No. 7 overall. Defensemen Mike Van Ryn (1998-99) and Jeff Jillson (1999-2001) were taken in the opening rounds of the 1998 and 1999 drafts, respectively.

The CCHA Rookie of the Year and an All-CCHA second team selection, Tambellini led the Wolverines in scoring with 45 points on 26 goals and 19 assists. He was the first U-M freshman to lead the team in scoring since Mike Comrie (1999-2000) did so in the 1998-99 season. Tambellini joins Mike Cammalleri (2000-02) as the second Wolverine in the last three years to be drafted by the Kings.

With two selections in the draft this season, Michigan has had at least two players selected in the NHL Entry draft in 16 of the past 17 years. Currently, Michigan has nine players on its roster who have been drafted by an NHL squad. The 2003 draft concludes Sunday (June 22) with the final six rounds.

U-M's Tambellini, Ortmeyer Honored at 2003 CCHA Awards
March 19, 2003 - mgoblue.com

DETROIT, Mich. -- Freshman forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) was honored by the Central Collegiate Hockey Association tonight (Wednesday, March 19) at the 2003 CCHA Awards at the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit. Tambellini was named the CCHA's Rookie of the Year.

Tambellini is the eighth U-M player to earn CCHA Rookie of the Year honors and the first since 1999, when Mike Comrie was tabbed as the league's best freshman. Tambellini, who was previously named to the All-CCHA second team and the Bauer/CCHA All-Rookie team, led all freshmen in the CCHA in points and goals in conference play with 18 goals and 12 assists for 30 points. Tambellini leads Michigan with 25-16-41 totals and ranks fourth nationally among freshmen with a 1.08 points per game average.

Tambellini the Lone Freshman on All-CCHA Second Team
March 12, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan freshman forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) has been named to the six-member All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association second team, the league office announced today (Wednesday, March 12).

Tambellini, selected to the Bauer/CCHA All-Rookie Team earlier this week, is the only freshman to receive all-conference honors and becomes just the 12th rookie in CCHA history to be named to the league's second team. In addition, Tambellini is the 22nd freshman to receive All-CCHA first or second-team honors. The last freshman to earn All-CCHA honors was Michigan State's Ryan Miller, who was named to the second team in 1999-2000.

Tambellini led all freshmen in scoring in CCHA (18-12-30) and overall games (25-13-38) and ranked second among all players in goals for conference and overall games. Tambellini, who was named CCHA Rookie of the Week on four occasions this season, ranks 11th in the nation for goals per game (0.69) and leads the Wolverines in goals and points. Ranked among the top 10 point-getters in league play, Tambellini is on pace to become the first freshman to lead the Wolverines in goals since Denny Felsner (30) in 1988-89 and the first rookie to lead the team in points since Mike Comrie (44) in 1998-99.

Tambellini Earns Fourth CCHA Rookie of the Week Honor
February 17, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Freshman Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.), a forward on the University of Michigan ice hockey team, has been named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Rookie of the Week for the fourth time this season, the league announced today (Monday, Feb. 17).

Tambellini, who has been named CCHA Rookie of the Week more times than any other player in school history, is one award shy of tying the league record, set by Western Michigan's Jeff Campbell in 2000-01.

Tambellini posted four goals in last weekend's split with Michigan State, lighting the lamp twice in each contest. Tambellini, who has five multi-goal games this season, leads the Wolverines in goals and points with 22-10-32 totals, and he has scored the most goals by any Michigan rookie since Brian Wiseman netted 25 in 1990-91. Tied for the national lead in goals among freshman, Tambellini also leads the CCHA's rookies in points and ranks second overall in goals.

Tambellini Earns Second Straight CCHA Rookie Award
February 3, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Freshman forward  Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team has been named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Rookie of the Week for the second straight week, the league announced today (Monday, Feb. 3).

Tambellini posted three goals and an assist for four points in last weekend's split with ninth-ranked Ferris State, including two goals in the 6-4 win over the Bulldogs at Yost Ice Arena on Friday (Jan. 31). Tambellini also extended his goal-scoring streak to four games with a goal and an assist in Saturday's (Feb. 1) 4-3 loss at Ferris State.

Tambellini, who has recorded two or more points in five of his last six games, leads the team with 18-9-27 totals and paces the CCHA's freshman in goals and points while ranking fifth nationally in points per game by a freshman (1.04).

Gajic, Tambellini Spark Comeback Victory Over Bulldogs
January 31, 2003 - mgoblue.com

Freshman forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) and sophomore forward Milan Gajic each talllied two goals and Gajic added an assist for the Wolverines (18-7-1, 12-4-1 CCHA). Ferris State's Chris Kunitz, the leading scorer in the CCHA, scored his 21st and 22nd overall goals of the season, including an unassisted tally at 14:46 to give the Bulldogs the 3-2 lead after one period.

The Wolverines then took the first penalty of the game but carried their momentum by out-chancing FSU on its own power play. Michigan tied the contest at 2-2 on a shot from Tambellini at 11:28. Senior forward Mark Mink (Livonia, Mich.) and Tambellini tipped the puck away from the Ferris State defense at the left half boards and proceeded to move towards the goal. Mink shed a defender and slid a short pass to Tambellini at the left hash mark, and he then sent a shot past the handcuffed Mike Brown.

The Bulldogs garnered a man advantage at 3:57 but solid defensive play and key saves by Montoya prevented FSU from knotting the game up. FSU's Jeff Legue had a chance about a minute later but his shot ricocheted high off the crossbar. Just after that, Michigan countered with a scoring opportuntity and converted on it to take a 6-4 lead at 7:26. Senior forward Jed Ortmeyer (Omaha, Neb.) gave a tremendous effort at center ice as he dove and one-handed a pass up to a streaking Tambellini at the FSU blue line. Tambellini broke in alone on the goalie and gave a hesitation move before firing a shot by Brown's blocker.

Tambellini Earns Second CCHA Rookie of the Week Honor
January 27, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Freshman Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.), a forward on the University of Michigan ice hockey team, has been named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Rookie of the Week, the league announced today (Monday, Jan. 27).

Tambellini put together back-to-back multi-point games in a weekend sweep of Lake Superior State, notching the game-winning goal and an assist in Thursday's (Jan. 23) 4-1 victory in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., before tying a career high with three points on two goals and an assist in Saturday's (Jan. 25) 5-0 shutout at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Tambellini, the leading goal-scorer among freshmen in the CCHA, leads the Wolverines in goals and points with 15-8-23 totals.

This is the second CCHA award of the season for Tambellini, who also was named Rookie of the Week on Jan. 6.

Ortmeyer, Tambellini Post Three Points in Shutout of Lakers
January 25, 2003 - mgoblue.com

DETROIT, Mich. -- For the second consecutive year, the University of Michigan ice hockey team shut out the Lake Superior State Lakers at Joe Louis Arena, during the annual "Home-and-Joe" series, this time 5-0 on Saturday (Jan. 25) in front of 8,912 fans. Behind freshman goaltender Al Montoya's (Glenview, Ill.) third shutout of the season and freshman forward Jeff Tambellini's (Port Moody, B.C.) two goals and one assist, the Wolverines ended a three-game road swing in which the club posted a 2-1-0 record.

A minute later at the 16:02 mark, Tambellini put in senior forward Jed Ortmeyer's (Omaha, Neb.) rebound to give the Wolverines a 2-0 lead. Ortmeyer received a pass on the right wing from freshman defenseman Danny Richmond (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) and skated the puck through two Laker defensemen to put a backhand shot on goal in the low slot. Violin made the initial save but his rebound popped right back out to the rushing Tambellini, who buried the shot into the open net for his team-leading 14th goal of the season.

U-M opened the third period in much the same fashion as it did in the second, finding the back of the net under two minutes into the period when Tambellini scored his second goal of the game at 18:34 on Shouneyia's second assist of the night and 100th of his U-M career. On Michigan's fourth power play, Shouneyia hit a streaking Tambellini inside the right faceoff circle and Tambellini shot the puck past Violin low to the goaltender's blocker side for a 5-0 Michigan lead. Michigan outshot Lake Superior State once again in the third period, 15-4, for a three-period total of 42-19.

Tambellini Chosen for CCHA Rookie of the Week Honors
January 6, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Freshman Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.), a forward on the University of Michigan ice hockey team, has been named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Rookie of the Week, the league announced today (Monday, Jan. 6).

Tambellini netted the game-winning goal in each of the Wolverines' wins over No. 14 Miami (Ohio) last weekend, scoring the game-winner in overtime of Saturday's (Jan. 4) 3-2 victory before tallying Michigan's go-ahead goal in Sunday's (Jan. 5) triumph. Tambellini, who leads the team in goals (12) and game-winning goals (3), has netted a marker in each of the last four games, marking a career-high goal-scoring streak.

Tambellini's Overtime Tally Lifts Wolverines Past Miami
January 4, 2003 - mgoblue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- No. 10 University of Michigan outshot No. 14 Miami (Ohio) by a 30-15 margin but needed overtime to snap its three-game CCHA losing skid on Saturday (Jan. 4) in Yost Ice Arena. Freshman forward Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) scored the decisive goal in the 3-2 victory at 2:43 of the overtime session after taking a centering feed from senior forward and captain Jed Ortmeyer (Omaha, Neb.). Miami goaltender David Burleigh kept the RedHawks in the contest by stopping 27 of Michigan's 30 shots, including 10 in each of the first two periods.

Tambellini tipped the game's result in favor of the Maize and Blue as he fired the puck under the sliding goalie 2:43 into the overtime session. Ortmeyer made the key play by keeping the puck onside at the blue line as he waited for a Michigan player to check up. He then cruised into the right side of the offensive zone before finding Tambellini uncovered in the slot for the game-winning goal.

College Career