Trail Smoke Eaters Dustin Korlak Named New Director of Skill Development & Performance

Trail Smoke Eaters Associate Coach and Director of Player Development, Dustin Korlak will be transitioning from his current role to take on a new role within the Smoke Eaters organization as the Director of Skill Development & Performance. 

In this newly created position, Korlak will lead programming and continue to develop the Trail Smoke Eaters’ skill development programs and camp offerings, improving upon what is currently offered in both quality and quantity in order to better serve young hockey players in the City of Trail, the Kootenay region and beyond.

Korlak will also continue to be involved with the Trail Smoke Eaters junior hockey team as a skills development professional and help the team with individual skill development, along with providing support to the current coaching staff.

Smoke Eaters Press Release

Highlights

  • Korlak comes to this new position with impressive experience:
    • Korlak served the Trail Smoke Eaters as an Associate Coach for the past five seasons.
    • Before his time coaching in the BCHL, Korlak coached two seasons in the MJHL.
    • In addition to coaching, he worked as a scout for ISS hockey and as a pro scout for the Coventry Blaze, a professional team in the UK.
    • Korlak also has on-ice playing experience, having played four seasons of Junior Hockey in the MJHL and a career playing professionally overseas in Europe, including teams in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
    • Korlak brings expertise in skill development to this position as a Certified Hockey Canada Skills Coach.
  • In this position, the community can expect to see Korlak offer the continued skill development programs already on rotation, as well as introduce an entirely new curriculum of skill development and performance camps as well.

Source: trailsmokeeaters.com

BCHL Trail Smoke Eaters Continue Building Roster For The 2023-24 Season

By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter

June 12, 2023

On June 8, the Trail Smoke Eaters announced the commitment of defenseman Adam Barone (’04) for the 2023-24 season.

Barone, a 6’1″, 180-lbs defenseman from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario played the past two seasons in the OJHL with the Cobourg Cougars and produced 66 points from the blueline in 99 games. Adam was also selected to play on Team Canada East at the World Junior A Championship, posting 2 points in 6 games and won a silver medal at the WJAC. Barone is committed to Lake Superior State University.

“I decided to pick Trail because the community really cares about hockey, the facilities are first-class and the coaches truly care about player development. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the staff and my future teammates.” -Adam Barone

“Adam is a big addition to our team. He brings experience in playing in all situations and we are excited to add his skill set to our defensive core for the coming season.” -Trail Smoke Eaters GM/Head Coach, Tim Fragle

Source: trailsmokeeaters.com

Prior to June landing Barone,on June 6, the Smoke Eaters added 2004 centre, Jason Stefanek from the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for 2003 forward, Trey Fechko.

Stefanek is entering his 2nd season in the BCHL and is committed to Dartmount College (NCAA) for the 2024-25 season.

He scored 10 goals and added 18 assists for 28 points last season while playing with the Wild. In 2021-22, Jason played with Mount St. Charles Academy 18U AAA and posted 43 goals and 54 helpers for 97 points in 62 games.

“Jason is a player that will bring speed, skill and a high IQ to our team. We have tracked Jason for some time and believe he has high potential to make big contributions this coming season.”

Smoke Eaters GM/Head Coach Tim Fragle

The Smoke Eaters organization would like to welcome Jason and his family to the city of Trail and look forward to having him join the Smokies on September 1st as main camp opens. The team would also like to thank Trey for his efforts this past season and all the contributions he made during his time as a Smoke Eater.

Source: trailsmokeeaters.com