NHL PLAYER, Chris Tanev
BIOGRAPHY
Born Dec 20, 1989 -- East York, Ontario, Canada
Chris Tanev was born in East York, Ontario, to Sophie Meredith and Mike Tanev. He has two brothers, Brandon and Kyle, and is of Macedonian descent. Playing minor hockey within the Greater Toronto Hockey League, he competed with the Toronto Red Wings. Tanev played in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League (OPJHL) for three seasons.
Starting off with the Durham Fury in 2006–07, he recorded no goals and nine assists over 40 games. He split the following season between Durham, the Stouffville Spirit and the Markham Waxers, combining for 17 points (2 goals and 15 assists) over 49 games between the three teams. Playing the 2008–09 campaign with Markham, he led all team defencemen in scoring with 41 points in 50 games, while serving as analternate captain; he was named the team's top defenceman at the end of the season.
In 2009–10, he joined the NCAA Division I ranks with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Tigers of the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Placed on the team's top defensive pairing with team captain Dan Ringwald, he recorded 10 goals and 28 points over 41 games, while leading his team with a +33 plus-minus rating. After being named Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Week on three occasions during the season, he received Rookie of the Year honours and was named to the conference's All-Rookie and Third All-Star Teams.
In the 2010 playoffs, Tanev helped the Tigers to a conference championship, defeating the Sacred Heart Pioneers in the final. He was named to the All-Tournament Team. Advancing to the NCAA tournament, RIT was eliminated in the national semifinal by the Wisconsin Badgers. Tigers head coach Wayne Wilsondescribed him during his freshman year as a "late bloomer", having grown six inches in his final year of junior, while praising his offensive skills. During the NCAA tournament, Tanev was scouted by Vancouver Canucks director of player development Dave Gagner, who was previously acquainted with Tanev as his childhood roller hockey coach. The Canucks scouting staff collectively identified him as "the smartest player on the ice" in the East Regional segment of the tournament.
On May 31, 2010, Tanev signed as an undrafted free agent with the Canucks, foregoing his final three years of college hockey eligibility. He had received interest from at least three other teams, including the San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets, but ultimately chose Vancouver.
Beginning the 2010–11 season with the Canucks' minor league affiliate, the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League(AHL), he scored his first professional goal against the Rochester Americans on November 13, 2010. He received his first call-up to Vancouver on January 16, 2011, after injuries to Canucks defencemen Andrew Alberts and Aaron Rome.
Following his professional rookie season, Tanev trained in the off-season particularly to increase his strength. Entering the Canucks' training camp with an added 10 pounds, he made the Canucks' opening line-up for the 2011–12 season. His first NHL goal was scored on February 4, 2013, in an overtime win against Devan Dubnyk of the Edmonton Oilers. On March 24, 2015 Tanev signed a 5 year contract extension with the Canucks.
Tanev played a major role in the 2016 IIHF World Championships team which captured gold against Finland. He was praised for his composure and defensive play by Team Canada head coach Bill Peters, and was named the best player of the game in Canada's 7-1 victory over Hungary. According to many observers, Tanev was perhaps the best defenceman in the tournament in terms of his defensive play - he and his defence partner, Morgan Rielly, were not on the ice for a single goal against at even-strength. Tanev also played a major role on Canada’s tournament-best penalty kill that allowed just two goals against in 29 opportunities. He registered one assist during the tournament.
Source: Wikipedia
NEWS
Tanev erupts in Canucks’ comeback win January 31, 2018
Defenseman Chris Tanev had one of the best offensive performances of his career last night, tallying 3 assists – including a pass on the overtime winner – as the Vancouver Canucks came from behind to defeat the Colorado Avalanche, 4-3. The 28-year-old blue liner finished the game with a +2 rating, and eventually went on to be named the 1st star of the contest. For the season, Tanev has 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) and a solid plus/minus rating of +8.
For more on Tanev and last night’s game, check out the nhl.com recap here.