Ralph Engelstad, a former University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey goaltender, Las Vegas casino owner, construction magnate, and entrepreneur, conceived and financed the SWHL in the early 1970s, along with his younger brother, Richard.
[1] The purpose of SWHL was to provide a development circuit for young American and Canadian players interested in attending college and playing hockey.
Teams were responsible for each player's room and board, tuition for a local college or university, and a monthly 60 dollar stipend.
[2] SWHL Commissioner and Vice-President Winston "Bing" Juckes, a former professional hockey player, ran tryout camps in August 1975.
The players stayed at a summer camp resort facility in Blaine, Washington and were transported by bus back and forth from the arena in White Rock.