Trail Smoke Eaters continue to build for the new season, and announced the addition of a new assistant coach, a trade for a forward, and a committed defenceman this week.
The Smoke Eaters made a historic connection on Monday, July 1 naming Bryan Kromm the new assistant coach and director of hockey development.
“I’m excited for the opportunity in Trail and look forward to working with young rising stars in such a prestigious league,” said Kromm in a release. “While developing these young men, I also hope to make an impact in the community and contribute to the already rich history of hockey in Trail.”
The position was held by Trail native Dallas Calvin who stepped down earlier this summer. His departure made room for Bryan, the son of Richard Kromm, who was born in Trail and is currently a pro scout with the Chicago Blackhawks, and the grandson of Bobby Kromm, former player/coach of the Smoke Eaters including the ‘61 World Championship team.
Bryan Kromm spent the last three seasons with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as the team’s assistant coach. During that span, the team posted a record of 62-18-7 and qualified for the NCAA tournament twice.
“I’m thankful for my time in Stevens Point and the amazing people I’ve been able to work with,” said Kromm. “Coach Krueger and countless others have given me the experience and support I’ve needed to make it to the next level.”
Prior to coaching, Bryan played four seasons with the University of Jamestown (ACHA).
Kromm will take over his position on July 16, as the Smoke Eaters make preparations for the announcement of another assistant coach.
“We are excited to hire Bryan to the Smoke Eaters organization,” said head coach and GM Tim Fragle. “He checks a lot of the boxes we were looking for in hiring for this position and his addition to the staff will further add to the player development programming we already have in place.
“He has a sharp mind for the game and will bring an exciting dimension to the hockey operations staff. We are thrilled to have him join our team.”
Kromm’s hiring is reminiscent to that of Jeff Tambellini, who was the Smoke Eaters head coach and GM from 2018-20. Jeff followed in the footsteps of his father Steve Tambellini, a professional hockey player, coach and GM, and grandfather Addie Tambellini, also a member of the ‘61 World Champion Smoke Eaters.
Jeff Tambellini is now director of player development for the NHL Seattle Kraken.
Player transactions: Trail also announced the signing of defenceman Drew Anastasio, 19, and acquired forward Evan Sundar, 18, for the 2024-25 season.
Anastasio is a six-foot, 185-pound left shot defenceman from West Simsbury, Connecticut, and played with the Loomis Chaffee School (USHS-Prep) and Yale Junior Bulldogs 18U AAA last season.
In 59 games, Drew scored five goals and added 26 assists for 31 points, and is committed to Quinnipiac University.
“We are proud to have Drew commit to our program,” said Fragle. “Drew is coming off a very strong season and will bring a strong IQ, mobility, a high skill set and is a high character individual.”
The Smoke Eaters also dealt the rights of defenceman Brody Juck to the Spruce Grove Saints in exchange for forward Sundar.
The St. Albert native is in his third season of junior hockey and amassed 12 goals and 37 points in 57 games last season.
“Evan is a player that will bring pace, skill, competiveness and smarts,” added Fragle. “We have tracked Evan for some time and we believe he has high potential to make big contributions this coming season.”
Sundar is committed to Minnesota State University.