Alex Evin named Associate Coach, Assistant GM & Skills Director

Trail, British Columbia (June 18, 2026) — The Trail Smoke Eaters are pleased to announce the hiring of Alex Evin as Associate Coach, Assistant General Manager and Skills Director, effective immediately.

A native of Castlegar, B.C., Evin brings an impressive combination of coaching experience, player development expertise, and championship pedigree to the Smoke Eaters organization as the club continues its pursuit of a British Columbia Hockey League championship.

Evin joins the Smoke Eaters following a successful season as Head Coach and Assistant General Manager of the Castlegar Rebels of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) during the 2025-26 campaign. 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 enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a goaltender in both the BCHL and NCAA ranks, experience that has helped shape his player-first approach to coaching and development.

“We are excited to welcome Alex to the Smoke Eaters organization,” said Director of Business and Hockey Operations Craig Clare. “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 is eager to begin the next chapter of his coaching career with one of the BCHL’s most historic franchises.

“Thank you to Rich Murphy and the entire Trail Smoke Eaters organization for the opportunity to join such a historic and respected program,” said Evin. “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.”

The Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Alex and his family to the organization and the Trail community.