[3] After playing four seasons at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Tancill made his professional debut with the American Hockey League's Springfield Indians in the 1990–91 season and was one of the stars leading the team to the Calder Cup championship in that year.

He also made his NHL debut with the Whalers that same season, appearing in nine games, scoring one goal and adding one assist.

[4] Tancill was traded to the Detroit Red Wings during the 1991–92 season in exchange for Daniel Shank.

He also appeared in 11 Stanley Cup playoff games, scoring one goal and adding one assist.

This biographical article relating to an American ice hockey winger is a stub.