Trail Smoke Eaters

We’re proud to have Ray Bale, Team Chaplain, as part of the Trail Smoke Eaters family.

Ray is a valued community mentor and leader, supporting our team both as a whole and individually. He is invested in each and every player—not only in their success on the ice, but in who they are and the people they are becoming off the ice.

Through his guidance and support, players have the opportunity to connect with faith, each other and the community, creating relationships and experiences that extend well beyond the rink.

• Fun Fact - Spent 4 years in the military!
• Favourite book - anything by John Grisham
• Favourite Show - NCIS
• Something people may not know about you - climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for my
60th birthday.
• What you like to do in your spare time: work in Africa
• If you had an entrance song, what would it be - at my age it has to be
"Stayin' Alive"
• Hidden talent - makes a pretty mean chili

Meet Nicole, our Accounting Manager and the Smokies’ financial goalie!

Nicole works behind the scenes most days, so you’re lucky if you catch a glimpse of her at the rink! She keeps everything on the books and makes sure we don’t go offside when it comes to our finances.

When she’s not crunching numbers, Nicole is a proud cat mom to her two kitties, Finn and Gigi. She’s also passionate about food and travel—this summer, she made pasta in Rome and has travelled to 65+ countries; all continents except 1. Not one to shy away from adventure, Nicole has been sky-diving, white water rafting, and cliff jumping and is a certified advanced scuba diver.

We’re lucky to have Nicole making sure everything adds up!

Bailey returned to Trail, his second home, in 2025 as an Assistant Coach. With a true passion for the game and a commitment to developing young athletes, Bailey is dedicated to helping our players become the very best versions of themselves—both on and off the ice.

We’re thrilled to have him behind the bench again this coming season.

Join the Smokies Game Night Team!

We’re looking for volunteers and game-night helpers to join the Smokies family!

From game-night operations to helping create an incredible experience for our fans, we have several positions available and would love to have you on the team.

Interested in getting involved? Give us a shout!

Email [email protected] for more details and to learn how you can get involved.

Come be part of the team behind the team!

Chris Kuchar — the best announcer in the BCHL!

Chris lends his incredible voice and talent to our home games, adding energy, excitement and personality to the rink every time he steps behind the mic.
His voice and personality are a big part of the home-game experience!

Fun Fact - Had an Elvis themed wedding.
Favourite book -Walter Mosely Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned
Favourite movie-Goodfellas
FavouriteTv Show- Tie between The Sopranos and The Crown
Something people may not know or might be surprised to learn -Went to Woodstock 99 in Rome New York.
What you like to do in your spare time- Hang with the family and 3 cats. E-bike. Buy records. Cross country ski sometimes but I'm terrible.
If you had an entrance song, what would it be - Blow at High Dough-The Tragically Hip.
Hidden talent-I lack any talent whatsoever:) Okay, make a mean toasted tomatoe sandwich!

Eric Thurston, our General Manager & Head Coach

A native of Edmonton, Eric calls Trail home during the hockey season and brings decades of experience both on and off the ice, as well as behind the bench. His favourite role is being a devoted husband and proud dad of four.

During his down time, Eric enjoys outdoors biking, occasionally taking the leap with a little cliff jumping, or simply relaxing with one of his favourite movies—The Bourne Identity.

His experience, passion and leadership play a big role in keeping the Smokies moving in the right direction!

⚠️ LAST CHANCE to register for U13/U11 High Performance & U9/U7 Super Skills Camps! Please note: The deadline to guarantee your High Performance practice jersey is midnight tonight as orders must be placed in advance.

Click on your registration link below for more information:

TrailSmokeEaters.com/August-High-Performance-Camps

TrailSmokeEaters.com/August-Super-Skills

🗓️ PRE-SEASON TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!
🟠 (HOME) September 7 • vs CRA
⚫ (AWAY) September 10 • at CRA
⚫ (AWAY) September 12 • at VER

Reserve your seat TODAY!
Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com
$5 - Senior/Adult/Youth
$2 - Kids 12 & Under



Season Ticket Memberships available at Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com.
FloHockey: flohockey.tv/teams/10277087-trail-smoke-eaters