Nova Scotia hockey trailblazer Bill Riley passes away - Forum - Community Post

Jonathan Tovell

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Former NHLer Bill Riley has died, Hockey Nova Scotia announced Sunday.

Riley was the third Black NHL player and the first of African Nova Scotia descent.

He was also the fifth player on the Washington Capitals to wear No. 8, long before Alex Ovechkin.

After his playing career, he was a junior hockey coach for QMJHL Moncton and Amherst of the Maritime Hockey League.

I recommend checking out Hockey Nova Scotia's post to learn more about a hockey trailblazer.

REMEMBERING BILL RILEY

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Nova Scotia hockey trailblazer Bill Riley.

On December 26, 1974, the Amherst native made history when he suited up for the Washington Capitals, becoming the third Black player to skate in the NHL — and the first of African Nova Scotian descent.

Over 139 NHL games with the Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, Bill embodied everything a teammate and competitor should be. During his four seasons with the Caps, he scored 28 goals while wearing number 8.

“I left a lot of goals in that sweater for Alex Ovechkin,” Bill joked with our BIPOC Advancing Hockey Program players during a presentation in December of 2023.

Bill’s hockey career didn't stop when he left the NHL. He went on to captain the New Brunswick Hawks to a Calder Cup championship in 1982 and he also wore the 'C' for the Halifax-based Nova Scotia Voyageurs, too.

He would later establish himself as a respected junior hockey coach with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats and the Maritime Hockey League’s Amherst Ramblers.

Bill Riley's legacy goes beyond the stats, championships, and games won behind the bench. He inspired future generations through his determination, spirit and sheer love of the game.

In 2022, Hockey Nova Scotia was proud to honour that legacy through the introduction of the Bill Riley Award and the Bill Riley Scholarship. These awards are now presented annually to young players of African Nova Scotian descent who reflect the very values Bill lived by: tenacity, passion, and an unmatched work ethic.

Rest in peace, Bill. Your legacy will live on forever.

Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame | Washington Capitals | Winnipeg Jets | #nsproud

www.linkedin.com#nsproud | Hockey Nova ScotiaREMEMBERING BILL RILEY It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Nova Scotia hockey trailblazer Bill Riley. On December 26, 1974, the Amherst native made history when he suited up for the Washington Capitals, becoming the third Black player to skate in the NHL — and the first of African Nova Scotian descent. Over 139 NHL games with the Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, Bill embodied everything a teammate and competitor should be. During his four seasons with the Caps, he scored 28 goals while wearing number 8. “I left a lot of goals in that sweater for Alex Ovechkin,” Bill joked with our BIPOC Advancing Hockey Program players during a presentation in December of 2023. Bill’s hockey career didn't stop when he left the NHL. He went on to captain the New Brunswick Hawks to a Calder Cup championship in 1982 and he also wore the 'C' for the Halifax-based Nova Scotia Voyageurs, too. He would later establish himself as a respected junior hockey coach with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats and the Maritime Hockey League’s Amherst Ramblers. Bill Riley's legacy goes beyond the stats, championships, and games won behind the bench. He inspired future generations through his determination, spirit and sheer love of the game. In 2022, Hockey Nova Scotia was proud to honour that legacy through the introduction of the Bill Riley Award and the Bill Riley Scholarship. These awards are now presented annually to young players of African Nova Scotian descent who reflect the very values Bill lived by: tenacity, passion, and an unmatched work ethic. Rest in peace, Bill. Your legacy will live on forever. Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame | Washington Capitals | Winnipeg Jets | #nsproud

My condolences go out to his family and friends.

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