ABOUT US
Honoring Bill McKenna, Supporting Hockey Officials
More than Just a Game.
More Than Just a Ref.
It takes character and confidence to step on the ice as a referee. Officiating demands focus and a high level of responsibility. STL Referee Scholarships celebrate the individuals who step up to meet those demands every single game.
Why We Exist
Reward & Appreciate
Recognize the hard work and professionalism of ice hockey officials.
Support & Sustain
Ease the financial burden of higher education for those who keep the game fair and safe.
Motivate & Inspire
Encourage officials to stay in the stripes, knowing their community is invested in their personal and academic success.
The Legacy of Bill McKenna
A founding member of the Kirkwood Youth Hockey Association in 1968, Bill McKenna was a cornerstone of St. Louis hockey for nearly thirty years. Known as the “Referee of Referees,” Bill viewed officiating as more than just enforcing rules; he saw it as a commitment to the integrity of the game and the welfare of its players. His trademark optimism and unwavering sportsmanship left an indelible mark on amateur hockey, both on and off the ice. As an inaugural member of the St. Louis Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame, Bill's commitment to the sport of hockey lives on.
Established in 1999 to honor Bill’s dedication, the Bill McKenna Memorial Scholarship fund provides academic assistance to ice hockey officials. Through the generous and continued support of groups like St. Louis Blues for Kids, the St. Louis Blues Alumni Association, Missouri Hockey Inc., the Missouri Ice Hockey Officials Association, and others, we invest in the education of those who uphold the standards of the game Bill loved so much.
A St. Louis Hockey Tradition, Reimagined for the Next Generation
Evolving into STL Referee Scholarships, we carry Bill’s spirit into a new era. This name reflects our commitment to the entire St. Louis officiating community, ensuring that Bill’s legacy continues to empower the next generation as they pursue excellence on the ice and in the classroom.
