Rich & Annie Murphy
TEAM PRESIDENT, OWNERS
Rich & Annie Murphy
Team President, Owners
Rich and Annie are proud to call Trail their second home.
Under Rich’s direction, the Trail Smoke Eaters have undertaken a significant transformation and have a clear path for the journey ahead. In addition to technical development of the organization as a whole, the Murphy’s have invested heavily in facility upgrades, supporting local community partners along the way. Rich and Annie hope to continue the storied legacy of Trail and its Smoke Eaters.
Craig Clare
director, hockey & business operations
Craig Clare
Director, Hockey & Business Operations
Craig was hired as Director of Hockey and Business Operations in 2016. Craig also played for the Smoke Eaters from 1997-2000, earning BCHL Rookie of the Year (97/98) and BCHL Allstar (98/99), before moving on to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, graduating with a Business Diploma. At SAIT, Craig played 3 seasons from 2000-2003 and earned 1st and 2nd team ACAC honours, winning the ACAC Championship in 2002 and captained the Trojans in his final season.
Craig served as Assistant Coach for the Smoke Eaters from 2012-2016 as well, in addition to working locally with FortisBC for 12 years before accepting his new role.
Originally from Sherwood Park, AB Craig has called Trail home since 2004, with his wife, Jody and son, Samuel.
Email: c.clare [at] trailsmokeeaters.com
Allison McCarthy
Corporate Sales & Event Manager
Allison McCarthy
Corporate Sales & Event Manager
Allison McCarthy has been the Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager for the Trail Smoke Eaters since 2016. Allison holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Illinois and has over 20 years of sales, marketing, relationship management and customer service experience.
As the Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager for the Smoke Eaters for the past 5 seasons, she has developed solid relationships with local businesses, fans and volunteers. Relationship management and community engagement is of extreme importance to her and she loves to bring these skills to use. Allison and her team have created a night out that is ideal for all ages, even for those that are not die hard hockey fans. A Trail Smoke Eaters game is now an experience that is memorable for kids, cool for teenagers, fun for adults and enjoyable for seniors. Home games include a fun night out including a variety of theme nights, good music, community involvement, entertainment and of course some amazing hockey.
During the off season she is busy connecting with our communities to discuss partnership and marketing opportunities. She looks forward to the community support and seeing a lot more fans (old and new) cheering on our beloved Trail Smoke Eaters. Go Smokies!
Email: a.mccarthy [at] trailsmokeeaters.com
Geoff Fontes
Director, Media Operations
Geoff Fontes
Director, Media Operations
Geoff is an award-winning (RTDNA/Edward R. Murrow) and Gemini-nominated videographer with 25 years of broadcast television experience on multiple levels, including sports, commercial and corporate production, as well as local and national and international news.
Geoff began his broadcasting career right here in the West Kootenay in the early 90s, covering local events, including live coverage of Smokies games on ShawTV under the direction of Ralph DiSabato. Shooting and producing hockey for broadcast has always been a passion of Geoff’s and he’s thrilled to be back in the Kootenays, working with such an amazing organization as the Trail Smoke Eaters and the best production crew in the BCHL!
In addition to broadcast operations, Geoff is also responsible for the Smoke Eaters’ online presence, including web, social media and visual marketing.
Email: g.fontes [at] trailsmokeeaters.com
Terry Mcdonnell
Academic Advisor
Terry Mcdonnell
Academic Advisor
Terry comes to us after 35 years as an educator; the last 21 years working in Rossland, Beaver Valley, Castlegar and Trail.
Terry supports Smoke Eaters players as they plan their next educational steps through administrative support around transcripts, NCAA eligibility and SAT/ACT enrollment.
Parents and players are more than welcome to contact Terry at 250-512-9324 or tkjtwmr [at] telus [dot] net.
Denise Flick
Billet Coordinator
Denise Flick
Billet Coordinator
Denise loves the lifelong friendships developed between players and their host families and takes great care to give players the best experience possible in their home away from home. We are always looking for families to host our Trail Smoke Eaters players. Please visit https://www.trailsmokeeaters.com/billet to learn more about the benefits of becoming a billet family.
