Like many Canadian youths, Bob Tombari dreamed of a career in the National Hockey League. Skating for the hometown Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Tombari notched 65 goals and 57 assists during the 1966-67 season – his final year of junior competition. The 122-point total established a new Northern Ontario Hockey Association record and Tombari’s ability caught the eye of professional scouts. The Chicago Blackhawks selected the 5-11 left wing with their first pick – the seventh overall – in the 1967 amateur draft. However, the thrill of being drafted by Chicago was quickly tempered by the fact that the Hawks had numerous seasoned stars at the wing, including the Hull brothers, Bobby and Dennis, and All-Star Ken Wharram.
The 1967-68 season marked the beginning of the expansion era for the NHL, as the league doubled in size from six to 12 teams. Even with expansion hockey talent was plentiful, as demand for NHL quality players had been minimal for nearly a quarter-century. Chicago sent Tombari to Dallas, its affiliate in the Central Hockey League, but he was not offered a contract. Instead, Bob signed with the Muskegon Mohawks of the International Hockey League.
“Tomba,” as he was called by his teammates, blended in well. His hustle, strong defensive skills and ability to put the puck in the net were major assets for the Mohawks, who cruised to the Turner Cup under the leadership of Carl Brewer, a three-time NHL All-Star defenseman, veteran Bryan McLay and fellow rookies Gary Ford and Lynn Margarit.
McLay and this trio of rookies formed the nucleus of the Mohawks for years to come. Tombari notched four goals in the Mohawks’ 1968-69 season opener, finishing the year with 35 goals and 46 assists for 81 points in 65 games. “Tomba” tallied 100 points on 35 goals and 65 assists and was named to the league’s first team All-Star squad during the 1972-73 campaign. During the 1974-75 season, he notched 33 goals and 55 assists and earned second-team All-Star honors as the Mohawks captured the Huber Trophy as regular season champions for the fifth time since Tombari’s arrival.
In 1978, at the age of 32, the longtime captain of the Mohawks announced his retirement. Tombari wrapped up his 11-year IHL professional career with a total of 774 points on 308 goals and 466 assists. At the time of his retirement, the point total ranked third in team history and 10th in the league. His 881 career IHL contests ranked seventh in the IHL overall. Tombari’s 732 consecutive games established a Muskegon iron man mark. His jersey number 15 was retired by the Muskegon franchise on January 19, 1992.
Following his retirement from professional hockey, Tombari became director of the Norton Shores youth hockey program. He remained at the helm of the program for 18 years, helping to develop and expand the curriculum.