Bio

Bill McKenna played street hockey and pond hockey as a kid in South St. Louis and would later play in the NCAA for St. Louis University; as a linesman in the Central Hockey League for the St. Louis Braves in 1962; and on a senior Men's League with Ed Olson in Springfield, Illinois. His fondest memories were of driving to games in Springfield, playing pick-up hockey in Kirkwood, watching youth hockey grow and improve, and being around Ed Olson.

Bill's hockey career wasn't limited to being on the ice. He was a manager at the Kirkwood rink starting in 1967 and helped start that youth program. He also served as a USA Hockey referee and a Blues off-ice official. His level of activity continued as he worked the NHL All-Star game, helped with the USA Olympic Festival and helped establish an official's scholarship for St. Louis youth hockey that now bears his name. He has been honored by the NHL for his years of service. One of Bill's best memories: "Seeing the puck drop for the first Blues game." And he called hockey "The greatest game to play and be around."