Press Release
A Fort Frances native will be among those going into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in Thunder Bay during its 31st-annual induction dinner and ceremonies set for Sept. 29.
Bill Selman, who is being inducted in the “Builder” category, learned the game of hockey growing up in Fort Frances.
Winning an NCAA Division 1 title as a player with the University of North Dakota, he eventually moved behind the bench in 1964 as the Fighting Sioux’s assistant coach.
Taking over the reins as head coach in 1966, Selman led the team to the 1967 WCHA title and runner-up honours at the national final.
After a couple of years with the UMD Duluth-Bulldogs, Selman made his way to St. Louis, where he served as the first and only coach of the Saint Louis University Billiken.
With the team from 1970-79, he led them to three CCHA league and conference titles.
In 1982, Selman’s talents saw him named coach of the U.S. national team that competed at the world championships.
In addition to his teams’ successes on the ice, his more than 20-year collegiate coaching career saw him earn multiple awards and serve as a co-founder of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
Also being inducted in the “Builder” this fall will be Alex Dampier (hockey) and Dick Henderson (curling).
Being inducted in the “Athlete” category are Mike Busniuk (hockey) and Terri Gibbons (water-skiing).
Finally, the “Team” inductees this year are rowers Barb Kukko and Helen Fleming (Livingstone).
Tickets for the induction dinner, to be held at the Valhalla Inn, can be purchased by calling 1-807-622-2852 or dropping by the Sports Hall of Fame (219 May St. S.) on Tuesday to Saturday from noon-5 p.m. (ET).
