Getting Great Roommates Hockey Family Tradition

Jeff Tambellini, the third generation of his family to represent
Canada in international hockey, is following in the footsteps of
his dad, Steve, in more ways than one. During Canada's selection
camp for the World Junior Championships last week, Jeff, a
19-year-old forward, lived with 16-year-old sensation Sidney
Crosby (SI, Nov. 10). In the 1978 championships Steve roomed with
the 16-year-old prospect to whom Crosby is most often
compared--Wayne Gretzky. The Great One was named the best forward
of that tournament, and 25 years later all eyes are on Crosby,
the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's leading scorer at week's
end.

"I've been impressed with the way Sidney has handled himself,"
says Steve, the Canucks' VP of player personnel. "Jeff says
they've become good friends, which is important when you go
through [a tournament] like this."