File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Don Hay

Blazers part ways with legendary coach Don Hay

May 20, 2025 | 10:37 AM

KAMLOOPS — An iconic Kamloops Blazers coach will not be behind the bench next season.

The Blazers announced Tuesday (May 20) the team will not renew the contract for Don Hay, who spent the previous three seasons as an associate coach.

“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 in a news release. “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 Kamloops local, Hay concludes his third stint with the Blazers. He began his coaching career with the Blazers in 1985-86. Along with being the winningest coach in Western Hockey League (WHL) history with 752 careers wins, Hay won four Memorial Cups – including three with the Blazers – and seven WHL championships as a head or assistant coach.

“We are grateful that we had the opportunity to have Don on our coaching staff over the past three seasons,” Shaun Clouston, Blazers head coach and general manager states. “Don’s work ethic and relentless commitment to developing players will be a lasting legacy through the Kamloops Blazers organization.”

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Hay returned to the Blazers for his third stint with the club ahead of the 2022-23 WHL season, in which the Blazers hosted that year’s Memorial Cup. The Blazers have missed the WHL playoffs the past two seasons, finishing 12 points out of the 2025 WHL playoffs with a 24-39-4-1 record.