When the New York Rangers drafted former Port Moody resident Adam Tambellini last Sunday, they were choosing more than just a name synonymous with hockey excellence.
Tambellini, who is bred from NHL genes - his dad Steve and brother Jeff both played professional hockey - has made it to the big leagues on his own merits.
The 6'3", 175-lb centre was the highest ranked Canadian Junior 'A' Hockey League player, as determined by NHL Central Scouting, going into this year's draft.
And in his last B.C. Hockey League season, Tambellini led the Surrey Eagles in their championship playoff run, which saw the team win BCHL and Western Canada titles.
"Adam had a great year personally and a great year for us as a team," said Eagles' president, general manager and head coach Peter Schaefer. "To play in New York City, at Madison Square Garden, will be really special for him, and I'm sure he's going to have a great career with the Rangers."
The 20-year-old was the Rangers' top pick in the NHL Entry Draft Sunday in Newark, N.J., selected 65th overall. Tambellini said hearing his name called was surreal, in a video posted on the New York Rangers' official website.
"I don't think you can prepare for a moment like this. Both (my dad) and my brother just told me to have fun with it, and hope you end up in a good spot, and i couldn't end up in a better spot than New York," the draftee said.
Tambellini, who is currently making his mark at the Rangers' rookie camp, will play at the University of North Dakota next season.
- with files from Nick Greenizan, Peace Arch News
