Tim Fragle – BCHL Coach of the Year

Trail, British Columbia (April 30, 2025) – After leading his team to the fourth-best record in the BCHL regular season, this year’s winner of the Joe Tennant Memorial Trophy for Coach of the Year is Trail Smoke Eaters General Manager & Head Coach, Tim Fragle.

“I am incredibly honoured to receive this award, especially when you are chosen by your fellow coaching peers. It’s a true testament to the buy-in from players and all of the incredible Smoke Eaters staff. This is a team effort and I couldn’t have done it without their commitment and support. I am grateful for the trust that owners Rich & Annie Murphy have in me and allowing me the opportunity to lead this program.” – Tim Fragle, General Manager & Head Coach

Fragle is in his fifth season behind the Smoke Eaters bench and the team finished in third place in the BCHL Interior Conference and fourth overall in the BCHL with a record of 35-15-3-1. The team also set a franchise record 19 short-handed goals.

“This award is a reflection of the dedication, leadership, and development plan Tim brings to our team every day. His ability to recruit quality players and people, develop talent, while fostering a culture that reflects the definition of a Smoke Eater, is what makes him deserving of this award.” – Craig Clare, Director of Hockey & Business Operations

This season, Fragle became with winningest Head Coach in Smoke Eaters franchise history with 112 wins, and 304 total wins at the Junior level.

During the course of Fragle’s time in Trail, he has helped fifty two players earn NCAA or Canadian University/College Hockey commitments. Fragle is also a Smoke Eaters alumnus, having played for the Smoke Eaters from 1997-1999, before going off to college hockey himself.

The Trail Smoke Eaters announced in March that the team has reached a multi-year contract extension through to the end of the 2027 BCHL season.

The entire Smoke Eaters organization would like to congratulate Tim on this achievement.