
Former Blazers Associate Coach Don Hay/Allen Douglas
The Kamloops Blazers are moving on from Associate Coach Don Hay, choosing not to renew his contract for the upcoming season.
The 71 year-old has been the Associate Coach under Shaun Clouston the past three seasons with the Blazers.
This wraps up a third stint with the organization with Hay being the Head Coach from 1992-95 and then again from 2014-2018.
His 753 wins tops the Western Hockey League’s all-time list.
He’s also been an Associate Coach in Portland (2018-22) before returning to Kamloops for the Memorial Cup host season of 2022-23.
In a news release, Head Coach GM Shaun Clouston commented had a lot of praise for Hay and his contributions to the Blazers.
“We are grateful that we had the opportunity to have Don on our coaching staff over the past three seasons,” said Clouston. “Don’s work ethic and relentless commitment to developing players will be a lasting legacy through the Kamloops Blazers organization.”
“I feel very fortunate to have been welcomed back to the Kamloops Blazers and spend the last three seasons with the hockey club,” said Hay. “Kamloops is a special place for myself and my family. I’ve enjoyed working with the players, the hockey and business staff and wish them all the best moving forward.”
A question remains if Hay will seek a head coaching opportunity in the league with six spots open in Vancouver, Kelowna, Red Deer, Swift Current, Edmonton & Lethbridge.