Bill Riley, First African Nova Scotian to Play in NHL, Remembered as Inspiration

Bill Riley, first African Nova Scotian to play in NHL, remembered as inspiration

Bill Riley, the first African Nova Scotian and third Black player in the NHL, has died at 75. He coached in the Maritime junior league, including in Amherst, where he is remembered as a pillar of the community.

Rest in Peace to Former Cap Bill Riley

Bill Riley, who played for the Washington Capitals in their first four seasons, passed away Sunday, according the the NHL Players Association.

Former Wildcats Coach & hockey trailblazer Bill Riley passes - Moncton Wildcats

We are saddened to hear of the passing of former & first-ever Wildcats Head Coach Bill Riley. Coach Riley was the third Black player to play in the NHL when he joined the Washington Capitals in the 1970’s. He went on to play 139 games with Washington and Winnipeg and later captained the New Brunswick…

Former NHL player and Newfoundland senior hockey star Bill Riley dies at 75. - NTV: Newfoundland and Labrador's Most Trusted News Source

In the 1980s, during the heyday of provincial senior hockey, Bill Riley was a powerhouse. A former NHL player and trailblazer, he left the pro game to star for the St. John’s Caps, helping the club win the 1987 Herder Memorial Trophy. The rugged forward was talented, tough and a proven leader. Riley, from Amherst, N.S., had already carved out an impressive hockey career before arriving in St. John’s in the mid-1980s. He became the third Black pl…