Former Michigan hockey player Jeff Tambellini (2003-05) will be playing in the Swiss Hockey League next year for Zurich.
Tambellini spent the past year with the Canucks and had 9 goals and 8 assists in 62 games and 6 playoff appearances. After losing the cup in the finals, Vancouver released him. Other NHL teams had the option of picking him up, but Zurich new head coach Bob Hartley wouldn’t let Jeff get away!
From Times Colonist:
“He’s excited to have me,” said Tambellini of Hartley, who won a Stanley Cup in 2001 when he coached Colorado. “He’s a coach with a great track record. I’m looking forward to learning a lot from him.”
Zurich is actually the same team who his father Steve and grandfather Addie played for years ago. Tambellini spent part of his childhood there. He actually learned to skate and played his first organized hockey game in Zurich.
He will be getting plenty of playing time on the first line for Zurich and is looking forward to returning “home”.
“It’s got a good spot in my heart and I’m looking forward to playing there,” he said.
Tambellini is 27 years old and 5’11”, but a very quick skater. Getting the opportunity to play on the first and second lines in Europe will improve his stats dramatically. Look for NHL teams trying to lure this guy back over the pond after his three year deal with Zurich is complete.
Random Jeff Tambellini Stat–the Michigan hockey team used (they might still have them) to have bench press competitions to see who could lift the same amount of weight the most–Tambellini would always win. I think it was 150 or 175 lbs and he could bench press it the most times! He’s very strong!!
Good luck in Zurich, Jeff and come home to us soon!!
