Hockey is the fabric of our country and the cornerstone of every community. Hockey in the City of Trail is more than a sport, it is the thing that ties our community together. The Trail Smoke Eaters take pride in the hockey we provide our fans and also put a large emphasis on how we represent our community on and off the ice. Just as hard as we compete to win, we understand it is our responsibility to be role models in our communities and give back wherever and however we can. Below are some of the community initiatives, awards received and monetary givebacks the Trail Smoke Eaters have made to the City of Trail and our surrounding communities.
Community Impact
Smokies in Our Schools – players volunteer to read to students at all of our locals schools.
Volunteer for Salvation Army Christmas Kettles
Volunteer to help the Kiwanis Club – Christmas Tree delivery
Skating with the Smokies – City of Trail public skating nights – players volunteer to skate and scrimmage with the general public and Smokies fans during public skating
Work alongside Greater Trail Minor Hockey program
Smokies visit Camp Cawabunga Summer Camp
Annual events in support of raising donations for local food banks
Annual monetary donations to all local schools breakfast programs
Annual puck toss monetary donations to various community based non-profit organizations in our communities
Annual Teddy Bear, Sock and Toque donations to local schools, care homes and community run organizations from Teddy Bear Toss event
Awards
Trail & District Chamber of Commerce 2017 Tourism Award Recipient
Trail & District Chamber of Commerce 2018 Tourism Award Recipient
Trail & District Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Impact Award Recipient
Trail & District Chamber of Commerce 2021 Tourism Award Recipient
Trail & District Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business People of the Year Recipients- Rich and Annie Murphy
Monday, April 9, 2018 – Trail Smoke Eaters Community Appreciation Day in the City of Trail
Murphy Family Foundation
2018-present – Smokies in the School – annual giving to local Trail schools. As of 2023, $93,00 has been donated to local schools. The 2024-25 season will be the 7th season of Smokies in Our School.
2023 – $703,800 USD committed by the Murphy Family Foundation to fund the construction of the kids rink
2022 – Tickets for a Toonie – annual commitment to donate $1USD to Special Olympics BC for every kids ticket sold; Greater Trail Minor Hockey added as a recipient in 2023. JL Crowe Breakfast and Lunch Program added as a recipient in 2024.
2021 – Free public skating and sensory friendly skate programming run by the City of Trail and funded by the Murphy Family Foundation.
October 2020 – Generous donation of $23,500 USD from the Murphy Family Foundation towards the Gyro Park Playground Project.
October 2019 – Generous donation of $20,000 USD from the Murphy Family Foundation towards the Trail and District Public Library towards new technology programming for youth.
July 2018 – Generous donation of $27,000 USD from the Murphy Family Foundation towards the Lower Sunningdale Sport Court.
October 2017 – Generous donation of $30,000 USD from the Murphy Family Foundation towards the Trail SK8 Park.