Since playoffs began, Adam Tambellini and Michael Santaguida have been two of the biggest reasons for the Surrey Eagles' success.
Now, as the team prepares for the Crescent Point Energy Western Challenge Cup in Nanaimo, the duo have been rewarded for their strong seasons.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Tambellini – who was acquired at the January trade deadline from the Vernon Vipers – was ranked No. 42 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, making him the BCHL's top prospect for this summer's NHL Entry Draft. When Central Scouting released their mid-season report, Tambellini was ranked 62nd.
"It was good (to move into the top 50). I went and looked this morning, and it was fun to see. Obviously, I wanted to move up as much as possible. It's a big honour," said Tambellini, who was also named the BCHL's player of the week after scoring the Fred Page Cup-clinching goal in double-overtime Sunday against the Penticton Vees. "It's been a nice week for me."
The six-foot-four centre, who is the younger brother of former Vancouver Canuck Jeff Tambellini, scored 36 goals in 52 regular-season games this season – including 14 in 16 games with Surrey. In the post-season, he has 10 goals and 18 points in 17 games.
Santaguida, meanwhile, has been nominated for the Canadian Junior Hockey League's goalie of the year award.
The 20-year-old Ontario native, who will play next year at the NCAA's University of Vermont, is one of five nominees from across the country. In 42 regular-season appearances, Santaguida posted a record of 29-10-2 with a goals-against average of 2.28 and a save-percentage of .933. He also had two shutouts.
He's been even better since the playoffs began, too, with a post-season won-loss record of 14-3, four shutouts and a save-percentage of .955.
CJHL award winners will be announced in early May.