photo: Tiffany DeFay

Bill Long (January 2, 1917 – July 24, 2006) was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach. Long was born in Barrie, Ontario. He played with the Pittsburgh Hornets of the American Hockey League in the 1939–40 season. Bill Long, one of the Ontario Hockey League's legendary coaches, was 88 when he died.

His career spanned three decades as a coach, including a 12-year tenure with the London Knights, where he coached 539 games, compiling a 275-214-50 record.

He was chosen the league's top coach in 1976-77 when the Knights went to the final for the first time in franchise history against the Ottawa 67's.

The Bill Long Award is presented in recognition and appreciation of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution, and distinguished service to the Ontario Hockey League. The recipient must be or have been actively engaged in junior hockey. 

Bill Long leaves behind long legacy in junior hockey.

When the MIHL was formed in 2019, the founding members chose to honor Bill Long’s contribution to hockey and name the MIHL Playoff trophy as the Bill Long Memorial Cup.

Bill Long leaves behind long legacy in junior hockey.

Source: Internet

Photos: borrowed from the London Knights