Hockey Nova Scotia introduces awards honouring Bill Riley

Hockey Nova Scotia is introducing two new awards to honour the legacy of trailblazer Bill Riley.

Announced in a recent news release, the organization said the Bill Riley Award and the Bill Riley Scholarship will be awarded annually to recognize the first African Nova Scotian to play in the NHL.

"This is a tremendous honour from Hockey Nova Scotia, and I am very proud to help inspire the next generation of great African Nova Scotian hockey players in the game,” Riley said.

On Dec. 26, 1976, Amherst’s William Bill James Riley 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.

The winger went on to spend parts of five seasons with the Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, scoring 31 goals and adding 30 assists in 139 career games.

The Bill Riley Award will be presented to a Nova Scotian player of African descent who embodies the characteristics of an exceptional and competitive teammate who is passionate about the sport with a strong work ethic.

The Bill Riley Scholarship, valued at $2,000, will go to a graduating player in Nova Scotia of African descent who plans to pursue postsecondary education.

Like Riley, the scholar should be a driven, hardworking student who is passionate about hockey.

Applications for the award and scholarship can be found online at https:// hockeynovascotia.ca/home/ hockey-nova-scotia-introduces-two-new-awardshonouring-bill-riley.

The deadline to apply for both the award and scholarship is May 23.