HALIFAX, N.S. – The Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy hit Canadians hard, including Nova Scotians.
Following the tragedy, a memorial ceremony was held at Province House in Halifax on April 12, with many dignitaries attending, including Amherst’s Bill Riley.
During the ceremony, Riley was recognized for a tribute he created for the Broncos and, also, for breaking race barriers as the third African-Canadian to play in the NHL.
Seven months later, on Nov. 14, Riley returned to Province House to receive a certificate of the resolution that was read at the memorial ceremony by Tony Ince, minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.
The resolution says, in part:
“Whereas Mr. Riley created a tribute in Amherst for the Humboldt Broncos to honour those impacted by the unimaginable tragedy that occurred near Tisdale, Saskatchewan on April 6, 2018; be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in recognizing Mr. Bill Riley for his compassion and leadership in honouring his Humboldt Bronco hockey brothers, as well as his outstanding hockey career, breaking the race barrier for the NHL, and for being an exceptional inspiration and role model in the African Nova Scotian and Hockey communities.”
The resolution also recognized Riley’s NHL on-ice play, which spanned from 1974 to 1980.
In that time, he played four seasons, 125 games, with the Washington Capitals, and one season, 14 games, with the Winnipeg Jets.
He had 31 goals and 30 assists in 139 NHL games.
