MIHL 
Champions
2020-21 Regular Season - Gaylord Snow 2020-21 Playoff - Muskegon Voyagers
2021-22 Regular Season - Muskegon Voyagers 2021-22 Playoff - Muskegon Voyagers
2022-23 Regular Season - Waterford Sharks 2022-23 Playoff - Muskegon Voyagers
2023-24 Regular Season - Muskegon Voyagers 2023-24 Playoff - Waterford Sharks
2024-25 Regular Season - Muskegon Voyagers 2024-25 Playoff - Muskegon Voyagers
2025-26 Regular Season - Kalkaska Kings
THE BILL LONG MEMORIAL CUP --- THE MIHL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
Since the inception of the Michigan Independence Hockey League, (MIHL), in the 2020-21 professional hockey season, the Bill Long Memorial Cup has been emblematic of the League’s grand Championship.
Named in honor of the late Mr. Bill Long, the Bill Long Memorial Cup is awarded to the MIHL team which achieves ultimate victory in the League’s post season playoffs.
Born in Barrie, Ontario in 1917, Long made his mark in the world of hockey through his three decades as a Head Coach in the prestigious Major Junior ‘A’ League, the OHL, (Ontario Hockey League).
The MIHL’s Championship Cup namesake was at the helm of a trio of legendary, historical OHL teams; the Niagara Falls Flyers, London Knights and Ottawa 67’s. In 1965, with Long behind the bench, Niagara Falls captured the Memorial Cup Championship, symbolic of Major Junior ‘A’ hockey supremacy.
During a stellar nine-year stint with the London Knights, Long was presented the Matt Leyden Trophy two consecutive seasons as OHL Coach of the Year, in 1976 and again, in 1977. Long’s Knights’ teams attained a coveted berth in the OHL playoffs seven times in eight years. In his ninth year with London, he served as the Knights General Manager.
Long’s outstanding contributions to our great game of hockey have been recognized not only by the MIHL but also the OHL. Each year the OHL presents the Bill Long Distinguished Lifetime Service Award.
Bill Long passed away in London, Ontario in 2006 at the age of 89.
