Glass and Out

Seattle Kraken Dir. of Player Development Jeff Tambellini: Getting hooked on development, improving processing speed and learning from championship teams

Apr 3, 2025
Jeff Tambellini, the Director of Player Development for the Seattle Kraken and former NHL player, shares valuable insights from his journey in hockey. He emphasizes the importance of getting players excited about improvement and discusses the often-underestimated significance of processing speed. Tambellini also explores innovative training methods, the need for mentorship, and lessons learned from championship teams across sports. His experiences offer a fresh perspective on how to nurture young talent and build a culture of continuous growth.
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INSIGHT

Desperation in the NHL

  • NHL players compete with a different level of desperation than those in other leagues, driven by financial stakes.
  • This "mortgage-paying mindset" creates a more intense and demanding playing environment.
ADVICE

Building a Translatable Game

  • Prepare young players for the NHL by emphasizing "translatable games" and skills.
  • Focus on fundamental skills like wall play, puck management, and handling pressure, crucial for earning NHL minutes.
ANECDOTE

Yanni Gourde's Wall Play

  • Yanni Gourde's success demonstrates the importance of strong wall play, even for skilled players.
  • His coaches emphasized wall play for years, enabling him to earn trust and ice time in the NHL.
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