Topic: Jeff Tambellini

Jeff Tambellini (born April 13, 1984) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger, currently in the Vancouver Canucks organization. Originally drafted 27th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2003, Tambellini played Junior A in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and college hockey with the University of Michigan before beginning his NHL career with the Kings in 2005–06.

Tambellini joined the Junior A ranks with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL in 2000–01, recording 51 points over 54 games in his rookie season. The following campaign, he improved to 117 points (46 goals and 71 points), co-receiving the Brett Hull Trophy as the league's leading scorer with Matt Ellison of the Cowichan Valley Capitals. He was further distinguished with the Verne Dye Memorial Trophy as the Coastal Conference's most valuable player. Tambellini went on to help the Chiefs to a Fred Page Cup as league champions, defeating the Vernon Vipers four games to two in the finals. Advancing to the Doyle Cup, the Chiefs beat the Alberta Junior Hockey League champion Drayton Valley Thunder by the same series score to capture the regional title. Competing for the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) title, Chilliwack lost in the Royal Bank Cup semifinals. During the tournament, Tambellini was chosen as the CJHL player of the year, beating out Jade Galbraith of the Drayton Valley Thunder and Tim Vokey of the Cornwall Colts.

Tambellini left the Chiefs after two seasons to play college hockey with the Michigan Wolverines of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), where he served as an alternate captain. After scoring 45 points over 43 games in his freshman year, he received All-Rookie Team, Second All-Star Team and Rookie of the Year honours in the CCHA. In the playoffs, Tambellini helped the Wolverines to his first of two Mason Cups in his college career as CCHA champions.