Tim Fragle is stepping away from the Trail Smoke Eaters to pursue new opportunities in hockey.
Last year Fragle was named the winner of the Joe Tennant Memorial Trophy for Coach of the Year and guided the team to a franchise-record 15-game winning streak.
Under his leadership, the team elevated its competitive standard and left a lasting mark on the BCHL.
“I am so thankful to Rich & Annie and the entire Murphy family for providing me the opportunity to lead the Smoke Eaters program and for all their support during my time in this position. Thank you to all of the staff within the organization for everything! The staff in Trail are truly amazing and I will miss working with all of you.” said Fragle.
“To the volunteers, fans, friends and the community of Trail, THANK YOU! Your love and passion for the Smoke Eaters makes the player and staff experience one of the top places to play and work in the BCHL!”
This season, Fragle also became the winningest Head Coach in Trail Smoke Eaters franchise history with 112 wins, while amassing an impressive 427 total victories at the Junior level throughout his coaching career.
“We are extremely grateful for the passion and leadership Tim brought to our organization,” said Trail Smoke Eaters ownership.
“He helped elevate our program in so many ways. We thank him for his tireless efforts and wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.”
He’ll be replaced effective immediately by Eric Thurston, who was the associate coach and assistant GM last year.
Thurston brings over 30 years of professional coaching experience, including extensive success at the Junior, collegiate, and international levels. He joined the Smoke Eaters for the 2024-25 season after six seasons in the AJHL with the Grande Prairie Storm and Drayton Valley Thunder.
“It’s an absolute honour to coach such a historic organization. I have to thank Rich and Annie and the Murphy family for this amazing opportunity. The fans in Trail are truly the best in the BCHL and I absolutely love the community and its legendary history. I’d also like to wish Tim Fragle all the best. He has been a great friend, and I’ve learned so much during our time coaching together. I know he’s going to do well wherever he ends up.” said Thurston.
Prior to his time in the AJHL, Thurston spent 17 seasons with the University of Alberta Golden Bears program—serving 11 seasons as Assistant Coach and 6 seasons as Head Coach—and was a part of six National Championship teams. His wealth of experience, leadership, and player development expertise will be instrumental in guiding the Smoke Eaters forward.
“We’re confident that Eric will continue to elevate the success of our program,” said Craig Clare, Director of Hockey and Business Operations for the Trail Smoke Eaters.
“His experience and championship pedigree are tremendous assets to our organization.”
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyKootenayNowNews Alerts.
