The 2010-2011 Trail Smoke Eaters

Logan Proulx (pictured) is one of several new faces on this season's Smokies roster. There are 10 returning players, 5 new additions with junior experience and 7 rookies. Smokies Coach and GM Jim Ingram faced a lot of very tough decisions this weekend as the Mountain FM Ashes tournament wrapped up their exhibition season. There were only a few cuts to make, but they were likely the toughest.

With so much talent at this year's camp and only a few spots available, a couple of players from last year's roster ended up on the outside looking in. I'm sure knowing the quality of both of those young men that was the most difficult part of this process for the coaching staff. Thomas Abenante and Josh McEwan are both talented and hard working enough to be BCHL players. I wish them both the best as they weight their options.

That being said, this is as deep a team as I've ever seen in my time in Trail. There is also room for an addition from those who were cut or some opportunities for APs as Trail is going with a 22 man roster. There is a lot to be excited about.

FORWARDS

F Paul Mailey (90) - 5th BCHL season in Trail
F Travis St. Denis (92) - 3rd BCHL season in Trail
F Scott Jacklin (90) - 4th BCHL season, 3rd in Trail
F Sam Mellor (92) - 2nd BCHL season in Trail
F Logan Proulx (91) - 1rst BCHL season, played 3 seasons for Edmonton in the WHL
F Cullen Bradshaw (90) 1rst BCHL season, played 2 seasons for Brooks in the AJHL
F Brett Slobozian (90) 1rst BCHL season, played 2 seasons for Lloydminster in the AJHL
F Matthew Laboucane (91) - 1rst BCHL season, played 2 seasons for Cold Lake in the NEAJBHL
F Dylan Tappe (92) - 1rst BCHL season, played 2 seasons for Spokane in the KIJHL
F Adam Boytink (92) - 1rst BCHL season, played 2 seasons for Grand Prairie AAA Midget
F Beau Blanaru (92) - 1rst BCHL season, played 2 seasons for North Island in BC Major Midget
F Joey Baker (93) - 1rst BCHL season, played 1 season for Beaver Valley in the KIJHL
F Keanan Patershuk (93) - 1rst BCHL season, played 1 season for Fernie in the KIJHL

DEFENCEMEN

D Steve Koshey (91) - 3rd BCHL season in Trail
D Graeme Strukoff (91) - 3rd BCHL season in Trail
D Curtis Tonello (90) - 3rd BCHL season, 2nd in Trail
D Ben Matthews (91) - 2nd BCHL season in Trail
D Eric Walker (93) - 2nd BCHL season in Trail
D Rajan Sidhu (91) - 2nd BCHL season, 1rst in Trail
D Clayton McEwan (91) - 2nd BCHL season, 1rst in Trail

GOALTENDERS

G Kiefer Smiley (90) - 4th BCHL season, 2nd in Trail
G Matt Larose (92) - 1rst BCHL season, played 1 season for Nelson in the KIJHL

There are your 2010-2011 Trail Smoke Eaters. Obviously this roster isn't set until after January's trade deadline, but that is the group that will start the season. The one thing that really stands out is that there isn't a single rookie on the blue line. That should make for a much quicker start to the season than we saw last fall. Fans will likely have a lot of questions about all the rookies we have yet to profile. I'll try and take care of that this week with stories about all the new guys.

The season and home opener is Friday against Merritt. If you don't have your season tickets yet head to Re/Max in Trail and get on that. This is going to be as exciting and competitive a team as they've had in quite some time.