Steve Tambellini's journey in the world of hockey began as a player before transitioning into various executive roles. Born on May 14, 1958, in Trail, British Columbia, Tambellini was immersed in the sport from a young age. His father, Addie Tambellini, was also a hockey player, which undoubtedly influenced Steve's path in the sport.
Tambellini's professional playing career took off when he was drafted 15th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. He played as a center and spent his initial years with the Islanders, contributing to the team during the early stages of their dynasty years. However, his time with the Islanders was relatively short, as he was traded to the Colorado Rockies in 1980.
With the Rockies, Tambellini found more ice time and opportunities to develop his skills. He played with the team until they relocated and became the New Jersey Devils in 1982. His stint with the Devils was brief, and he was soon traded to the Calgary Flames. It was with the Flames that Tambellini experienced some of his most productive years as a player. He played a vital role in the team's forward lines and was known for his reliable presence on the ice.
In 1985, Tambellini was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he continued to play until the end of his NHL career in 1988. Over his NHL career, Tambellini played in 553 games, scoring 160 goals and 150 assists. His playing career also included representing Canada on the international stage, where he won a bronze medal at the 1983 World Ice Hockey Championships.
After retiring as a player, Tambellini transitioned into management and scouting roles, where he spent a significant portion of his career. He joined the Vancouver Canucks' front office in 1990, initially working in player development and later serving as the team's Director of Public and Media Relations. His aptitude for management and understanding of the game led to his promotion to Vice President of Player Personnel.
In 2008, Tambellini took on a new challenge as the General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers. His tenure with the Oilers was marked by efforts to rebuild the team, focusing on drafting and developing young talent. During his time as GM, the Oilers selected several high-profile draft picks, including Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Despite these efforts, the team struggled to achieve significant success in the standings, and Tambellini was relieved of his duties in 2013.
🏒