At the end of the 2008-09 season, Bill Holke will be leaving his position as the President of SSHL. On Sunday, March 29, 2009, Bill celebrated his final Super Sunday with the league. (See picture). Current and past directors surprised him on this day to celebrate his career with the league.  He enjoyed receiving jerseys with the number 13 on the back, commemorating his 13 years of remarkable service to SSHL.

In 1995, Bill Holke and Wayne Kuhl of St. Jude took over the shared responsibility of running the South Suburban Hockey League, which was formed in 1989.  When Wayne’s son aged out and moved onto High School Hockey, Bill then took on the responsibility as the leagues’ President and Director and has now completed his 13^th year as the leagues President.

Bill has been the life of the league for so many years. Bill’s dedication to fairness and encouragement to support and assistant each other organization within SSHL is the sole reason why our league is now recognized nation-wide as one of the best leagues for house hockey.

Under Bill’s direction, the league has implemented a Coach, Assistant, and Manager’s Training Conference that is highly respected, and extremely dedicated to educating team staff from all member organizations. The league has continually been adapted to the changing times and increasing difficulty of running an effective league. Bill has challenged each director and organization to step up to THEIR league and implement new ideas and programs every season. Bill has also assisted in getting the first female team into the SSHL. Bill encouraged all organizations to work together to provide a place for these girls to play, and so the combined team of the Pirates was formed.

Yes, the SSHL is managed by the directors of each organization collectively, but the Board of Directors cannot effectively function without direction. That direction has graciously come from Bill over the course of high and low years. Bill has been a mentor to everyone involved in SSHL, and we thank him for leading us for 13 fantastic years.

Bill’s last line in the letter he wrote about the league history sums it all up. Bill has dedicated his time to…working to make YOUR South Suburban Hockey League program the very best that it can be, as well as create the opportunity for great memories that will stay with you your entire life.

Thank your for your dedication and support to the South Suburban Hockey League and its organizations and for creating memories that will stay with all of us forever!