Bill Purcell was the York University hockey coach from 1965–1972, and the OIAA 1969–1970 Coach of the Year.
He is credited with establishing York University's Yeomen hockey program in 1961 and bringing it national acclaim and notoriety. He also championed the teams relocation from outdoor play at Glendon to the New York Arena, locally known as the Ice Palace.
Accomplishments 1967–1968: 2nd-place finish in the Ontario Intercollegiate Athletic Association (OIAA) League 1969–1970: OIAA championship 1969–1970: Consolation title of the Canadian finals. 1969–1970: Coach of the Year 1971–1972: 1st-place finish in the Ontario Universities Athletic Association (OUAA) League with a record 16 wins (16-1-2) 1978–1979: IHL Champion 1981–1982: OUAA League Champion 1986/1987: Italy Champion HC Mastini Varese November 6, 2013: Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto
Coaching positions 1978–1979: Head Coach Kalamazoo Wings of the IHL 1979–1980: Head Coach Adirondack Red Wings of the AHL 1980–1981: Head Coach Richmond Rifles of the Eastern Hockey League 1981–1982: Coach University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's ice hockey team 1989–1990: Head Coach Oshawa Legionaires of the MetJHL 1994–1995: Assistant Coach Oshawa Generals of the OHL 1995–1996: Assistant Coach Oshawa Generals of the OHL 1996–1997: Head Coach Markham Waxers of the MetJHL 2000–2001: Assistant Coach Tallahassee Tiger Sharks of the ECHL 2004: Head Coach Whitby Dunlops 2006–2008: coach of the Markham waxers Purcell is a former semi-professional hockey player himself, playing for the Toronto All Stars 1966–1967.
He was a professional fire fighter for the city of Toronto (Dundas and Parliament hall) in the 1950s and 1960s.
References http://www.excal.on.ca/sportshealth/hockeyalumni/ http://www.yorku.ca/sprtyork/sport_hall_of_fame/members/1984.htm