Bill Purcell was the York University hockey coach from 1965–1972, and the OIAA 1969-70 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.
1967-68: 2nd place finish in the Ontario Intercollegiate Athletic Association (OIAA) League
1969-70: OIAA championship
1969-70: Consolation title of the Canadian finals.
1969-70: Coach of the Year
1971-72: 1st place finish in the Ontario Universities Athletic Association (OUAA) League with a record 16 wins (16-1-2)
1978-79: IHL Champion
1981-82: OUAA League Champion
November 6, 2013: Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto
1978-79: Head Coach Kalamazoo Wings of the IHL
1979-80: Head Coach Adirondack Red Wings of the AHL
1980-81: Head Coach Richmond Rifles of the Eastern Hockey League
1981-82: Coach University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's ice hockey team
1989-90: Head Coach Oshawa Legionaires of the MetJHL
1994-95: Assistant Coach Oshawa Generals of the OHL
1995-96: Assistant Coach Oshawa Generals of the OHL
1996-97: Head Coach Markham Waxers of the MetJHL
2000-01: Assistant Coach Tallahassee Tiger Sharks of the ECHL
2004: Head Coach Whitby Dunlops
2006-08: coach of the Markham waxers
Purcell is a former semi-professional hockey player himself, playing for the Toronto All Stars 1966-67.
He was a professional fire fighter for the city of Toronto (Dundas and Parliament hall) in the 1950s and 1960s.
