Professional & Spectator Sports
Spectators at a hockey game (Kevin Arnold photo)
Trail has both an abundance of sports facilities and the enthusiasm to use them.
The self-proclaimed "Home of Champions," Trail was voted "BC's Best Sports Town" in 2005 – and maintains bragging rights in skiing, track and field, baseball, and of course, hockey. As a tribute to the extraordinary successes of its athletes the City of Trail has erected a "Home of Champions" monument, on Farwell Street, outside the Kootenay Savings Credit Union. Check out Smoke Eaters hockey, as well as numerous other amateur sporting events frequently held in the city.
Trail Smoke Eaters
The legendary Trail Smoke Eaters hockey team won their first World Championship in 1939, and were the last amateur team to win a World Championship when they did so in again 1961. Rather than fading into history, these accomplishments continue to inspire young Trail athletes. Now part of the BCHL, the Smoke Eaters is still a community-owned franchise that produces high-calibre players, such as Barret Jackman of the St. Louis Blues.
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Catch Smoke Eaters home action at the Trail Memorial Centre from September through spring playoffs. It's hard to miss the arena – just look for the giant mural depicting Trail's impressive hockey history.
Jason Bay, Boston Red Socks
Boston's Fenway Park is now home to local Trail hero, Jason Bay. The National League 2004 "Rookie of the Year" has had a spectacular career that began in Trail's Butler Park. His sister, Lauren Bay, is a softball ace with the Canadian national women's fast pitch team.
Amateur Sports
Athletes from across the Kootenay Rockies region, and from much further afield, are familiar with Trail's many sports venues. In recent years, the city has hosted the BC Winter Games, the BC Summer Games, the BC Disabled Games, and the World Junior A Hockey Challenge. A strong spirit of volunteerism also regularly brings provincial championships in sports such as soccer and swimming to the community.
Drop by the Trail Visitor Centre for more information about the city's professional and spectator sports, including Smoke Eaters' game schedules.
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