After an impressive collegiate career and dynamic professional journey, Jeff Tambellini continues to shape the future of the Seattle Kraken as their Director of Player Development.
Born into a hockey family, Jeff’s father, Steve Tambellini, was a first-round draft pick for the New York Islanders and a Stanley Cup Champion. Jeff and his brother Adam started skating early, quickly developing a love for the game. Jeff began his junior career with the Port Coquitlam Buckaroos, recording 64 points, including 31 goals, and earning IJHL First Team All-Star and Rookie of the Year honours.
He moved to the Chilliwack Chiefs for two seasons, posting 51 points in 54 games his first year and a remarkable 117 points in the second. Tambellini co-won the Brett Hull Trophy for leading the league in points and received the Verne Dye Memorial Trophy as the Coastal Conference’s MVP.
Tambellini then joined the University of Michigan, where he recorded 45 points in 43 games as a freshman and was named CCHA Rookie of the Year. Over his three years, he wore the “A” as an alternate captain and helped Michigan win two Mason Cup Championships. He also played for Team Canada in the World Junior Championship, earning a silver medal.
Drafted 27th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2003, Tambellini spent time with the Kings and their AHL affiliate before being traded to the New York Islanders. He scored his first NHL goal against Martin Brodeur and spent five seasons with the Islanders, split between the NHL and AHL.
In 2010, Tambellini signed with his childhood team, the Vancouver Canucks, playing 62 games before heading to the ZSC Lions in Switzerland. There, he posted 45 points in 50 games and helped win a Swiss Championship.
Tambellini later played in Europe with MODO, Fribourg-Gottéron, and Växjö Lakers before returning to North America for a stint with the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL. He finished his playing career in Sweden in 2016.
After retiring, Tambellini returned to the University of Michigan to complete his degree and became an Assistant Coach with the Michigan Hockey Program. He later served as Head Coach and GM for the Trail Smoke Eaters in the BCHL before transitioning to a scouting role with the Tampa Bay Lightning, focusing on NCAA talent.
In 2022, he joined the Seattle Kraken as Director of Player Development, where he now oversees the growth of Kraken prospects. Tambellini works closely with each player to focus on areas for improvement, guiding them toward successful NHL careers.
In June, Tambellini will join TCS Live to share insights from his playing and coaching journey, offering a closer look at his role in developing the Kraken’s future stars.
