Coaching Staff
Eric Thurston
GM / Head Coach
Eric Thurston
GM / Head Coach
Eric Thurston, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, is a highly respected figure in the hockey community with a distinguished career as both a player and a coach. Married to his wife Tracey for 29 years, Eric is also a devoted father to four children: Kara, Georgia, Gavin and Joe. His family has been a cornerstone of his life and career, supporting him through every achievement.
Eric’s playing career began with notable success in the WHL, where he competed with the Victoria Cougars. He continued to build on this foundation by attending the University of Alberta, where he was part of the Golden Bears’ National Championship-winning team in the 1985-86 season. His professional playing career took him across Europe, where he played in Holland, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, further honing his skills and expanding his hockey knowledge.
Transitioning to coaching, he has twice led the University of Alberta Golden Bears to National Championships as Head Coach. Additionally, he won three National Championships as an assistant coach under Rob Daum, showcasing his ability to excel in supportive roles and contribute to team success.
With over 30 years of coaching experience, Eric Thurston is known for his veteran leadership and deep understanding of the game. For the 2024-25 hockey season, he has been hired as the Trail Smoke Eaters’ new Associate Head Coach and Associate General Manager, where he will continue to influence the sport and guide the team toward future triumphs.
Outside of hockey, Eric enjoys watching his favorite movie, The Bourne Identity and dining at Yamagoya in Fernie, a restaurant he holds in high regard. His diverse experiences and enduring commitment to the sport make him a valued addition to the Trail Smoke Eaters organization.
Email: E.Thurston [at] TrailSmokeEaters.com
Bryan Kromm
Asst. Coach, Dir. Player Development
Bryan Kromm
Asst. Coach, Dir. Player Development
Bryan brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for hockey to his new role as Assistant Coach with the Trail Smoke Eaters for the 2024-25 season. Bryan was immersed in the sport of hockey from an early age, drawing inspiration from his beloved grandfather, Bobby Kromm, who was a player-coach for the 1961 World Champion Trail Smoke Eaters.
Growing up in Penticton, the son of Rich and Jackie Kromm, Bryan has always been supported by a strong family network, including his siblings Erica, Alex, and Natalie.
Bryan’s coaching career has been marked by his recent three-season tenure as an Assistant Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. During this time, he demonstrated a keen understanding of the game and a commitment to developing players both on and off the ice. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s achievements and growth.
As he transitions to the Trail Smoke Eaters, Bryan looks forward to bringing his expertise and enthusiasm to a new team, eager to build on his previous successes and contribute to the ongoing development of the players and the organization.
Email: B.Kromm [at] TrailSmokeEaters.com
Bailey Monteith
Assistant Coach
Bailey Monteith
Assistant Coach
Bailey was born and raised in Kamloops, British Columbia, with strong ties to Trail and the Smoke Eaters family. His family has been devout Smokies fans and passed that passion down to Bailey. A dedicated athlete and team player, Bailey built a strong reputation through his junior hockey career as a goaltender in the BCHL and MJHL, including time with the Trail Smoke Eaters, Virden Oil Capitals, and a national championship appearance with the Portage Terriers. Following his playing career, Bailey turned to coaching and has served as an Assistant Coach with the Thompson Blazers AAA program during the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons. He is recognized for his dedication, leadership, and ability to mentor young athletes, qualities that extend into his professional career, where he is valued as a hardworking and dependable team member. Bailey is known for his commitment, discipline, and leadership both on and off the ice. Beyond sports, he brings the same focus and work ethic to his coaching career.
Bailey is thrilled to return to his second home in Trail, bringing his passion for the game and his drive to help make the players the very best version of themselves on and off the ice.
Email: B.Monteith [at] TrailSmokeEaters.com
Pierce Diamond
Goaltender Consultant
Pierce Diamond
Goaltender Consultant
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Pierce Diamond played four seasons of Junior A hockey in the AJHL and BCHL, highlighted by a National Championship silver medal and recognition as a Goaltender of the Year finalist. He then advanced to the NCAA level, competing for three years in upstate New York before transitioning into full-time coaching in 2022–23.
That same season, Pierce launched Diamond Cut Goaltending while also working with OHA Academy, the OKR AAA program, multiple KIJHL teams, and a wide range of minor hockey organizations throughout the Okanagan. Now in his second season with the Trail Smoke Eaters, Pierce’s development philosophy focuses on helping goaltenders establish clear focus points and apply them through targeted skill drills. His approach emphasizes goalies becoming students of their game—taking ownership of their development, refining their skills, and maturing in their ability to read and process the play—ultimately preparing them for the next step in their careers.
Training Staff & Human Performance
Emily Michalchuk
Certified Athletic Therapist, CAT(C)
Emily Michalchuk
Certified Athletic Therapist, CAT(C)
Michalchuk joined the Trail Smoke Eaters for their first season in the BCHL in 2023. Emily is a Certified Athletic Therapist, having graduated from Camosun College in 2022. Originally from Victoria, BC, Emily had been living and working in Edmonton, AB since completing their studies. In Edmonton, they had the opportunity to work as an Athletic Therapist at MacEwan University and with the CEBL’s Edmonton Stingers. They also have extensive hockey experience, having worked with teams in the CSSHL, HSL, and KIJHL.
Email: AT [at]Â TrailSmokeEaters.com
Frenchie Boisvert
Assistant Trainer, EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Frenchie Boisvert
Assistant Trainer, EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Rob Stroud
Assistant Trainer
Rob Stroud
Assistant Trainer
Medical Staff
Dave Abenante
Team Physiotherapist
Dave Abenante
Team Physiotherapist
Andrew van der Ham
Team Physical Therapist
Andrew van der Ham
Team Physical Therapist
Dr. Fraser Carson
Team Chiropractor
Dr. Fraser Carson
Team Chiropractor
Alex Ross
Team Registered Massage Therapist
Alex Ross
Team Registered Massage Therapist
Scouting Operations
Paul Antonenko
USA
Paul Antonenko
USA
Josh Arnold
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Josh Arnold
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Dallas Calvin
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Dallas Calvin
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Scott Cassels
Edmonton
Scott Cassels
Edmonton
Norm Lacombe
ALBERTA (REGIONAL)
Norm Lacombe
Alberta (Regional)
Greg Lenuik
ALBERTA
Greg Lenuik
ALBERTA
Chantz Matter
EDMONTON
Chantz Matter
EDMONTON
Dean Moisan
Alberta, Saskatchewan
Dean Moisan
Alberta, Saskatchewan
Micah Stipech
Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Micah Stipech
Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
JJ Williams
Calgary
JJ Williams
Calgary
Matt Woodland
NORTHERN ALBERTA
Matt Woodland
NORTHERN ALBERTA
Tanner Younghans
British Columbia
Tanner Younghans
British Columbia
Support Staff
Ray Bale
Team Chaplain
Ray Bale
Team Chaplain
Ray is a lifelong hockey enthusiast, having played and coached for many years. He is a pastor and continues to work both here in Trail and overseas in Central Africa where he lived with his wife Mary Anne for 20+ years, rescuing and caring for children orphaned due to ongoing war and conflict. They are loving calling Trail home and look forward to developing lasting friendships in both the hockey and wider community. Go Smokies!
