The Trail Smoke Eaters have hired Alex Evin as associate coach, assistant general manager and skills director.
A native of Castlegar, Evin brings coaching experience, player development expertise, and championship pedigree to the Smoke Eaters organization.
Evin joins the Smoke Eaters following a season as head coach and assistant general manager of the Castlegar Rebels of the KIJHL. Prior to his time in Castlegar, he spent five seasons behind the bench as head coach of the Prince George Spruce Kings from 2019 to 2024, leading the club to the BCHL playoffs in each season under his guidance.
His coaching résumé also includes assistant coaching roles with both the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Prince George. Evin was part of the Spruce Kings coaching staff that captured the BCHL’s Fred Page Cup Championship in 2019, serving as associate coach during the club’s championship run.
Before transitioning into coaching, Evin was a goaltender in both the BCHL and NCAA ranks, experience that has helped shape his approach to coaching and development.
“We are excited to welcome Alex to the Smoke Eaters organization,” said Craig Clare, the director of business and hockey operations.
“Alex’s experience, knowledge, and winning track record align perfectly with our goal of competing for a BCHL championship. Our staff is very excited to get to work with him. Alex also expressed a deep passion for developing not only the players on our roster, but also all minor hockey players in the region, which is a major priority in his role as skills director.”
Evin said he is eager to begin the next chapter of his coaching career.
“Thank you to Rich Murphy and the entire Trail Smoke Eaters organization for the opportunity to join such a historic and respected program,” he said. “I am excited to work alongside Eric, Bailey, Craig, and the rest of the staff as we continue to build on the recent success of the Smoke Eaters franchise. I look forward to helping our players develop both on and off the ice while pursuing our goal of bringing a championship to Trail.”
