Game Day | TRA at WK
“The kids are alright”.
In addition to a song by The Who, that’s what was learned about the Trail Smoke Eaters prospects who played in Friday night’s 8-0 victory in Vernon.
Defenseman Finn De St. Hubert opened the scoring at the four minute mark with a one-time blast into the opposite top corner of the net from the right point.
The 17-year-old younger brother of Cade took a regular shift, killed penalties and was rock solid.
Winger Brayden Rotach earned third star honours for his two assists, Tucker Robertson picked up one assist, while Stefano Pietrantonio made a statement by decking a Viper who had been harassing him at centre ice. They all played significant minutes in their BCHL debuts as the coaching staff rolled lines all game.
Defenseman Cohen Carter added to the “night for the newbies” by scoring his first BCHL goal.
Hard working first-year-winger Josh Evaschesen rounded out a robust ravaging of the Vipers by the rookies.
He scored twice and had a great chance for the hat trick in the third period but was stopped by Vipers goalie Logan Cunningham who made several highlight reel saves despite giving up eight goals while facing a 41 shot barrage.
Leading scorer Jason Stefanek led the attack with two goals and an assist. The 20-year-old Californian now has 32 goals and 63 points.
Veteran Dylan Lariviere also scored twice, including the team’s league-leading 18th shorthanded snipe of the season.
The Smokies were dominant from the opening face off until the final buzzer and despite the lineup shuffle and sitting out seven regulars, played a solid structured game.
When there was an infrequent breakdown, goalie Ryan Parker shut the door, making 20 saves to record his first BCHL shutout.
The Smokies were 1-for-3 on the power play and killed off all four Vipers advantages.
Trail closes out the regular season tonight in West Kelowna, a team they haven’t met since November 29.
It’s likely that some of the veterans who sat out last night will be inserted into the lineup.
Judah Makway, Drew Anastasio, and Evan Sundar were healthy scratches. Jack Kennedy is ill, while Brayden Sinclair and Gryphon Bucci are nursing minor injuries. All three are expected to be ready for next Friday’s playoff opener against Cranbrook at Cominco Arena.
Teagan Kendrick didn’t make the trip, meaning Trail’s Chayse Johnson may get his first regular season start in goal. He was signed immediately after a strong training camp and preseason with the Smokies.
Trail leads the season series 4-1, including overtime wins in Trail during the opening weekend of the regular season and their last meeting in West Kelowna. Stefanek and Lariviere lead the season series with three goals each.
The Warriors are coming off a 3-1 Friday night loss in Salmon Arm and found out last night they will be meeting Brooks in the first round of the playoffs.
Opening face off is at 7 p.m. You can listen to the game on Mixlr or watch on FloHockey.
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PLAYOFF TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Round 1 – Trail Smoke Eaters vs. Cranbrook Bucks
Your tickets are available in your online account for purchase, or you can visit the Smokies Store (M-F, 9 AM to 4 PM) to secure your seats. Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com
Tickets on hold will be released at NOON on game day!
Don’t wait—grab yours before they’re gone!
Round 1 – Game 1 @ Cominco Arena
Friday, April 4 | 7 PM
First 500 fans get an Orange Pom-Pom!
Alumni Tailgate Party @ 5:30 PM in the Victoria Room (Food & Beverages, Everyone Welcome!)
Round 1 – Game 2 @ Cominco Arena
Saturday, April 5 | 7 PM
Game 3 & 4 – April 8 & 9 in Cranbrook
Game 5 (if necessary) – April 11 @ Cominco Arena
Game 6 (if necessary) – April 13 in Cranbrook
Game 7 (if necessary) – April 15 @ Cominco Arena
Smokies Fan Bus to Cranbrook – Game 4 (April 9)
Join us for the Smokies Fan Bus to Cranbrook on April 9 for Game 4!
Pricing:
Adult: $67, Senior (65+): $65, Youth (13-18): $60, Kids: $52
Includes: Round-trip bus transportation & game ticket.
Departure: 2:00 PM from Cominco Arena.
Return: After the game.
Limited to 36 spots! To reserve your seat, email Angela at a.prentice@trailsmokeeaters.com.
Let’s PACK the Cominco Arena and show our players how we Bleed Orange for Playoff Hockey! Help spread the word, bring the energy, and let’s get FIRED UP!
Retro Jersey Auction – Last Chance!
Own a piece of Smoke Eaters history! Place your bids before Friday, time runs out! Auction ends at noon on March 31. www.32auctions.com/retro2025
SMOKIES FANS!!!
It’s time to renew or purchase your Trail Smoke Eaters Season Ticket Membership for the 2025-26 hockey season!
Enjoy BIG $avings & Exclusive Perks!
2025-26 Season Ticket Pricing:
Adult/Senior: $299 (+ tax/fees) – Increases to $359 after May 31!
Youth (13-18): $129 (+ tax/fees) – Just $5.20 per game!
Kids (12 & under): $49 (+ tax/fees) – Only $2.00 per game!
DON’T MISS OUT! — Lock in your rate before May 31, 2025.
For more info or to secure your seat, please visit:
Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com/2025-26-Season-Tickets