Bill Riley, the first Black player from Nova Scotia to play in the NHL and later coach multiple junior hockey teams, has passed away at the age of 75 after battling cancer. He was born in 1950 in Amherst and had a successful hockey career, playing for the Amherst Ramblers at the junior level before joining the Washington Capitals from 1976 to 1979 and the Winnipeg Jets in the 1979-80 season, becoming the third Black player in the NHL.
Riley also served as captain for the AHL’s New Brunswick Hawks, leading them to victory in the Calder Cup in 1982, and the Nova Scotia Voyageurs. Following his professional playing days, he transitioned into coaching, leading the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats and his hometown team, the Amherst Ramblers.
A close friend, Jim Bottomley, who coached against Riley in the Maritime junior A circuit, fondly recalled him as a fierce competitor on the ice yet a generous and influential figure off it. Bottomley praised Riley for positively impacting numerous young lives, particularly through his coaching in Amherst, where he went above and beyond to support players both financially and educationally.
Riley’s contributions to hockey were recognized when he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1998. His legacy as a role model for African Nova Scotians and aspiring hockey players was highlighted by Hall of Fame CEO Bruce Rainnie, emphasizing Riley’s significance in inspiring youth to pursue their dreams in the sport.
In honor of his achievements, a Hockey Nova Scotia award and scholarship were established in Riley’s name in 2022. Mark McFarlane, Riley’s son, expressed immense pride in his father’s accomplishments, emphasizing the impact of the obstacles Riley faced as a Black player in fueling his determination and perseverance on the ice.
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