FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Trail Smoke Eaters Announce Groundbreaking Partnership with 49ing, Becoming First BCHL Team to Join Platform
Trail, British Columbia (August 5, 2025) — The Trail Smoke Eaters are proud to announce a landmark partnership with 49ing, a Swiss-based leader in AI-driven hockey analytics. 49ing provides cutting-edge sports technology and fan engagement platform.
This collaboration makes the Smoke Eaters the first team in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) to join the 49ing ecosystem, positioning the club at the forefront of digital innovation in junior hockey.
49ing currently partners with several NHL teams, Swiss National League, Swiss League, Hockey East, ECAC and 20+ pro, amateur and junior leagues in North America, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe. 49ing delivers professional-grade analytics, fan engagement tools, and digital infrastructure to some of the top names in sports. This same platform is now being brought to the BCHL for the first time through the Smoke Eaters.
The partnership brings a wide array of benefits to both the team and its passionate fanbase. Through 49ing, Smoke Eaters supporters will gain access to exclusive digital content, interactive game-day features, real-time stats integration, and new ways to engage with the players and coaching staff. This aligns with the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the fan experience, both in the rink and online.
“This is an exciting step forward for the Smoke Eaters,” said Craig Clare, Director of Hockey & Business Operations. “49ing allows us to deepen the connection with our fans in a modern and meaningful way, while also giving our players, coaching and scouting staff cutting-edge data analytics.”
As part of the partnership, the Smoke Eaters will also gain access to 49ing’s suite of performance tracking tools, enabling staff to better analyze in-game metrics, enhance player development, and streamline communications within the organization.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Trail Smoke Eaters to the 49ing platform,” said Michael Jamieson, Head of Sales at 49ing. “They’re a historic franchise with a forward-thinking mindset, and this partnership sets a new standard for how BCHL teams can connect with their communities.”
With over 90 years of history and a dedicated following, the Smoke Eaters’ decision to join 49ing reflects a bold vision for the future—combining tradition with technology to elevate the game at every level.
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About the Trail Smoke Eaters:
The Trail Smoke Eaters are a premier junior hockey club in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Steeped in hockey tradition, the iconic Trail Smoke Eaters are one of the most widely recognized hockey teams in the world. Having won two World Championships in 1939 and 1961 as well as competing for numerous Provincial and National Championships, the name and logo of the Trail Smoke Eaters is recognized throughout the hockey community. The Trail Smoke Eaters continue to build upon this legacy where the main goal is to add another championship win in the history books.
About 49ing AG:
49ing AG is a Swiss-based SportsTech company specializing in computer vision and multimodal AI for ice hockey. Their Hockey AI platform provides real-time game insights, coaching tools, officiating support, and automated video analytics for leagues and teams worldwide. Learn more at www.49ing.ai
Media Contact:
Craig Clare
Director, Hockey & Business Operations
Trail Smoke Eaters
C.Clare@TrailSmokeEaters.com
