KENNEBUNK — Kennebunk High School is looking for a new boys ice hockey coach starting today after long-time coach Don Hill stepped down Tuesday afternoon, following the release of the first group of people charged with engaging a prostitute in town.

Kennebunk Police have so far charged 21 men with engaging a prostitute in connection with an alleged prostitution operation in Kennebunk.

A list of those charged, which Kennebunk Police re-released late Tuesday to include addresses and ages, names Donald F. Hill, 52, of 139 Union Ave., Old Orchard Beach. That matches the address Kennebunk High School has for Hill.

Hill met with the hockey team Tuesday afternoon and informed them of his decision, said Athletic Director Thor Nilsen.

Nilsen would not say why Hill chose to step down.

“I don’t know all the facts,” Nilsen said. “The bottom line is I’ve got a sports program to run.”

Beginning today, Kennebunk will begin searching for its new hockey coach, Nilsen said.

The season begins Nov. 19 with the first practice, and Nilsen said the school will have a coach by then.

Hill had coached for Kennebunk for 19 years, beginning as an assistant. He has been the head coach for 14 years, leading the team to Western Maine titles in the late 1990s.

“Our program has been pretty steady,” Nilsen said. “We’ve had a good program record-wise ”¦ I know Don, he’s a friend. While all of us can be replaced, Don has given a lot to the program and we respect his decision.”

During his time as coach, Hill spearheaded Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraising games as well as participated in games to raise awareness against domestic violence.

Hill did not respond to phone calls for comment as of press time.

— Contact Al Edwards at 282-1535, Ext. 323.