October 20, 2025
It is with a heavy heart, that we announce the passing of one of the pillars of the Superior International Junior Hockey League, Bill Salonen. Bill was instrumental in shaping the landscape of hockey across Northwestern Ontario and beyond. The Bill Salonen Cup is awarded annually to the league’s champion each season.
Bill has been integral to the success of what the SIJHL is today, and we will continue to honour him through the values and initiatives set in place to help grow the game of hockey.
Lifelong friend of Bill Salonen and SIJHL Vice-Chairman Mike Sveinson expressed his sympathy, “Bill was a larger-than-life presence in many ways in our hockey community. The only way we can come close to honoring his impact on our league and our team in Dryden is to make sure they are both here for many years to come and that his impact is never forgotten.”
It goes without saying that this season’s champion will hold the Bill Salonen cup even higher in his honour.
The matchup on Friday, November 7th between the Dryden GM Ice Dogs and Kam River Fighting Walleye in Dryden will be a Memorial Game with a special pregame ceremony honouring the life of Bill Salonen.
The SIJHL requests that during this time of grieving and reflection on the life and legacy of Mr. Bill Salonen, that the utmost level of reverence and respect be observed.