For Immediate Release
Trail, British Columbia (July 28th, 2022) – The BCHL has announced the naming of the BCHL’s Playoff MVP award to the Jeff Tambellini Trophy.
The trophy, which will be given out to the top performer of the BCHL’s playoff takes on a new name, honouring Tambellini, who not only played in the league for the Chilliwack Chiefs but also coached the Smoke Eaters for two season’s as well. During his BCHL playing career, Tambellini put up 168 regular season points in 88 games, he’d add another 60 points in 34 playoff games, with a remarkable 54 points during the 2001-02 run to a BCHL Championship. That year, he was the Coastal Conference winner of the Most Valuable Player award as well as a co-winner of the Brett Hull Trophy for BCHL leading scorer with 117 points in 54 games. 
During his coaching career in Trail, Tambellini helped set multiple team records during the 2019-20 season that was ultimately cut short of its potential. Tambellini is currently in charge of NCAA Recruitment and a pro scout with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL.
“It’s a big honour to be named to the playoff MVP award. The BCHL has had an amazing group of players, staff and coaches come through over the years. It’s very humbling to have my name on one of the league trophies. I’d like to thank everyone with both the Chilliwack Chiefs and the Trail Smoke Eaters for allowing me to be a part of successful teams in the BCHL” – Jeff Tambellini
The Smoke Eaters are excited to have the BCHL’s playoff MVP award named after a former member of our team and now our Alumni, we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this honour. We look forward to seeing the Jeff Tambellini Trophy handed out in the years to come!
