Former Washington Capitals forward Bill Riley passed away on Sunday. He was 75 years old.
Riley, an Amherst, Nova Scotia native, was given a tryout by the Capitals ahead of the team’s inaugural 1974-75 season and made his debut with the club on December 26, 1974. In doing so, he became just the third Black player in NHL history after Willie O’Ree and Mike Marson. Riley and Marson both played for the Capitals that night in their 4-1 loss to the Flyers, becoming the first two Black players to play together in an NHL game.
The Capitals released a statement on Riley’s passing early Sunday evening.
The Washington Capitals extend their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Bill Riley.
Bill was a true trailblazer in our game, becoming one of the first Black players to play in the NHL, following pioneers such as Willie O’Ree and playing alongside fellow Capital Mike Marson. His courage, perseverance, and passion for the sport helped pave the way for future generations.
During his time with Washington, Bill exemplified leadership, professionalism, and dedication both on and off the ice. He carried himself with integrity and pride, leaving a lasting impact on his teammates, the organization, and the broader hockey community.
We honor Bill’s legacy and the important role he played in growing the game. He will always be remembered as a valued member of the Capitals family.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and career.
Riley would play just one game for the Capitals during the 1974-75 campaign before continuing a highly successful minor-league career with the IHL’s Dayton Gems, winning a league championship in 1976. He then returned to the Caps during the 1976-77 season, scoring his first NHL goal on January 4, 1977, against the Detroit Red Wings.
Over parts of four seasons, Riley got into 125 games for the Capitals, recording 56 points (28g, 28a) and 320 penalty minutes. He left DC after being selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1979 Expansion Draft and played 14 games for the Jets the next year.
Riley is one of 11 Black players in the Capitals’ franchise history honored with a permanent display within Capital One Arena.
During his career, Riley also had stints in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, Nova Scotia Voyageurs, New Brunswick Hawks, and Moncton Alpines. He won the 1982 Calder Cup with the Hawks and later became a player-assistant with the Alpines. He then served as player-coach and captain of the St. John’s Capitals of the Newfoundland Senior Hockey League before retiring from professional play.
Riley fully entered the coaching world in 1989-90, when he was named the head coach of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League’s Amherst Ramblers. Later, he would become the head coach, general manager, and director of player personnel of the same league’s Miramichi Timberwolves and also served as head coach of the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats during their founding 1996–97 season.
In 1998, Riley was named to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame and had his number 8 jersey retired by the Ramblers in 2013.
RMNB sends our condolences to the Riley family.
