Bill Riley (ice hockey, born 1950) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill Riley |
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Riley in 1976
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| Born | September 20, 1950 Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada |
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| Died | March 29, 2026 (aged 75) | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb) | ||
| Position | Right wing | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Washington Capitals Winnipeg Jets |
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| NHL Draft | Undrafted | ||
| Playing career | 1974–1984 | ||
William James Riley (born September 20, 1950 – died March 29, 2026) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He made history as the third Black player in the National Hockey League (NHL). Bill Riley played for the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets between 1974 and 1980. His hockey career, which spanned from 1974 to 1984, also included many years in the minor leagues.
Contents
Bill Riley: A Hockey Journey
Early Life and Discovering Hockey
Bill Riley grew up in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. His parents worked hard to support their family. Even with limited money, they made sure Bill had the hockey equipment he needed. He started playing hockey at a young age in the peewee league.
Bill loved the game and kept playing, even though there were not many Black players to look up to in the sport at that time. After playing for the Amherst Ramblers for two seasons, he didn't initially dream of playing hockey professionally.
However, things changed in 1973. Bill was working in a factory and playing senior hockey for the Kitimat Eagles in British Columbia. He was an amazing player, scoring 206 points in 80 games over two seasons! A coach named Tom McVie, who would later coach in the NHL, noticed Bill's talent. McVie invited Bill to try out for his team, the Dayton Gems, in the IHL. Bill accepted and successfully joined the team in 1974.
Playing in the NHL and Minor Leagues
In the 1974–75 season, Bill Riley got a chance to try out for the Washington Capitals during their very first year. He played in one NHL game, which was a huge achievement! Most of his time was spent playing in the minor leagues, especially with the Dayton Gems. There, he played again for coach Tom McVie.
Bill's hard work paid off. The Capitals signed him as a free agent during the 1976–77 season. He then played for the Capitals for parts of the next three seasons, showing his skill and determination in the NHL.
In 1979, the Winnipeg Jets selected Bill in the 1979 NHL Expansion Draft. He played 14 games for the Jets before returning to the minor leagues. He continued to play for teams like the New Brunswick Hawks, Moncton Alpines, and the Nova Scotia Voyageurs. Bill Riley retired from playing professional hockey after the 1983–84 season.
After his professional playing career, Bill also served as a player-coach and captain for the St. John's Capitals in the Newfoundland Senior Hockey League for three seasons in the late 1980s. This showed his leadership both on and off the ice.
Life as a Coach
After his playing days, Bill Riley continued his passion for hockey by becoming a coach. In 1989-90, he became the head coach for the Amherst Ramblers in the Maritime Junior A Hockey League. He later took on multiple roles, including head coach, general manager, and director of player personnel, for the Miramichi Timberwolves in the same league.
Bill also coached the Moncton Wildcats during the 1996–97 season. He dedicated many years to helping young players develop their skills and love for the game.
A Kind Gesture and Later Years
Bill Riley was known for his thoughtful actions. In 2017, he saw a TV show about Toronto Maple Leafs legend Bill Barilko. Inspired, Bill Riley asked his daughter, Tracey, to visit Barilko's grave in Timmins and clean his tombstone. This act showed his respect for hockey history and its heroes.
Bill Riley passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 75. He left behind a legacy as a pioneering player and a dedicated coach in the world of hockey.
Achievements and Recognition
Bill Riley received several awards and honors throughout his career:
- Calder Cup (as a player) - 1982
- Callaghan Cup (as a coach) - 1990
- Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame - 1998
- His Number 8 jersey was retired by the Amherst Ramblers - 2013
