Murphy Family honoured for foundation’s work in Greater Trail

Murphy Family honoured for foundation’s work in Greater Trail

Published 4:00 pm Sunday, October 4, 2026

It’s been 10 years since Rich and Annie Murphy purchased the Trail Smoke Eaters and became one of the Silver City’s greatest benefactors.

A group of grateful Trail Smoke Eaters fans and volunteers wanted to recognize the Murphy family’s selfless and substantial contributions to the Greater Trail community, and are looking for the right time to celebrate the family and their support.

The Orono, Minn. family first came to Trail when their son, Ryan Murphy, played for the Smoke Eaters from 2016-18, and the team came up for sale.

“We decided to buy a junior hockey team in 2016 (in Trail) because we are passionate about developing these players, not only helping them grow as athletes, but as young men and members of their community as well,” Richard Murphy told the Times after the family purchased the VIJHL team Peninsula Panthers in June, 2025.

Yet, the Murphy Family’s investment goes way beyond Junior hockey.

The Murphy Family Foundation, run by daughter Madelyn Murphy-Homer, has given ample financial support to Greater Trail and the health and wellness of the surrounding communities, including their schools and youth, local food banks, care-homes, sports facilities and parks, minor sports, libraries and culture.

According to Trail volunteer Keith Smyth, recognition of the Murphy Family and their Foundation was long overdue and the hard push to honour the Murphys came from the dedicated team of volunteers who operate the Spud Shack.

“Their closeness perpetuated the frequent comment, ‘Someone should give them the recognition they deserve,’” said Smyth.

This created the spark to bring a working group together made up of Smyth, Rick Basso, Tom Gawryletz, Don Nutini, Allison McCarthy and Craig Clare to initiate a plan.

The group consulted arena owners and operators, the City of Trail and council, and they received permission to proceed with the honour.

“A decision was made to create a lasting dedication placard to be mounted in the Trail Memorial Arena,” said Smyth.

The Cominco Arena is unique in its dedication to hockey and the Smoke Eaters, and sensitive to what it raises to the rafters or hangs on its walls.

Working closely with Murphy-Homer and the city, the group came up with an active game plan.

They commissioned Speedpro Signs to assist with the design and installation, and the company worked hard to get it ready in time for the 2026-27 opening season.

The plaque was positioned near the Smoke Eaters store in the arena on Fri., Sept. 18 in time for the opening game between the Smoke Eaters and the Langley Rivermen.

Unfortunately, the installtion came with no fanfare, but the group anticipates a ceremony in the near future.

“It’s expected that at a future hockey game after the upcoming municipal election, a formal presentation will be organized,” said Smyth.

A feature of the display is a QR code and web address directing visitors to the Smoke Eaters site and the incredible contributions the Murphy Foundation has made to Greater Trail communities.

Go to trailsmokeeaters.com/community-impact.