Don Hay Departs Blazers; WHL Head Coaching Roles Could Be Next

Image Credit: Hockey Canada

Don Hay will not return as associate coach of the Kamloops Blazers for the 2025–26 season, ending his third stint with the club. The WHL’s all-time winningest coach leaves behind a legacy that includes helping guide the development of high-end talent like Logan Stankoven, Olen Zellweger, Fraser Minten, and Caedan Bankier during his most recent run behind the bench.

While the Blazers look to improve off last season, Hay’s next move remains a storyline to watch. With decades of head coaching experience and multiple championships on his résumé, he could be in the mix for vacancies around the league.

Both the Kelowna Rockets and Vancouver Giants currently have openings at head coach, and Hay’s familiarity with the league — and his deep roots in BC — could make him an intriguing option for either team.

Whether it’s a return to a head coaching role or something else entirely, Hay’s coaching future will be one of the more interesting off-season stories in the WHL.