Bill Purcell established York's hockey program and a reputation for excellence in hockey. A former semi-professional hockey player, he served as head coach of the York men's hockey team while a full-time firefighter in the City of Toronto. He developed a program which brought York University national sports prominence at a young age. By 1967-68, York had climbed to a second-place finish in the eight-team OIAA league. By 1968-69, York had scored its first victory over the mighty University of Toronto Blues. In 1969-70, Purcell directed the Yeomen to an OIAA Championship and to the consolation title of the Canadian finals, and was named OIAA coach of the year. In 1971-72 he guided the Yeomen to a first-place regular season finish in the newly established OUAA league with a record of 16 wins, one loss and two ties.
