Selke Jr. began his career in hockey management with the Montreal Canadiens, where he served as the assistant to his father. He was instrumental in the team's success during the 1950s and 1960s, helping to build a roster that would go on to win multiple Stanley Cup championships.
In 1965, Selke Jr. was appointed as the managing director of the Oakland Seals, a newly formed team in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played a crucial role in establishing the team's presence in the league, overseeing player recruitment and development, as well as the team's overall operations.
Despite the challenges of managing a new team in a non-traditional hockey market, Selke Jr. was able to guide the Seals to a playoff appearance in their third season. However, the team struggled to maintain consistent success, and Selke Jr. left the organization in 1971.
Following his tenure with the Seals, Selke Jr. served as the general manager of the World Hockey Association's (WHA) Toronto Toros. Under his leadership, the Toros made the playoffs in their inaugural season. However, the team was unable to sustain its early success and eventually relocated to Birmingham, Alabama.
Selke Jr.'s impact on the sport extended beyond his roles with NHL and WHA teams. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA), serving as its president from 1975 to 1977. In this role, he was instrumental in promoting and developing amateur hockey in Canada.
Throughout his career, Selke Jr. was recognized for his contributions to the sport. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985 as a builder, an honor that acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the sport.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Selke Jr.'s passion for hockey and his commitment to the sport's growth and development were unwavering. His legacy in the sport is marked by his significant contributions as an executive and his dedication to promoting and developing hockey at all levels.
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