Hockey Nova Scotia is proud to announce that Halifax's Mark Connors is the 2024 winner of the Bill Riley Scholarship.

A long-time member of the Halifax Hawks Minor Hockey Association, Mark Connors proved he was a talented goaltender and an exceptional teammate with unwavering determination and a deep passion for hockey. Mark’s maturity, dependability, and meticulous preparation stand out, as does his ability to lead with an infectious smile.

In recent seasons, Mark has demonstrated remarkable dedication and leadership through his involvement in the Black Youth Ice Hockey Initiative as a coach. This program, designed to develop hockey skills in African Nova Scotian youth, also emphasizes the importance of fair play, education, diversity, and inclusion. It is committed to nurturing individuals who will make positive contributions to society.

Despite a busy schedule, Mark has made the time to volunteer with the program on a weekly basis. His positive attitude, love for the sport, and deep commitment to his community make him an exceptional mentor for young players.

During his minor hockey career, Mark was a target of racial slurs. Mark, with the support of his family, teammates, and the broader hockey community, chose to speak out against racism and discrimination. He used these experiences as a platform to educate others about the challenges of racism in hockey and society.

Mark’s ability to transform adversity into a force for positive change reflects his strong character. His leadership on and off the ice exemplifies the values that the Bill Riley Scholarship seeks to honour.

In the fall, Mark plans to attend Saint Mary's University in Halifax.

Mark is a very deserving recipient of this scholarship, embodying resilience, leadership, and a commitment to community.

The Bill Riley Scholarship, a $2000 scholarship, is presented annually to a graduating player in Nova Scotia of African descent who plans to pursue a post-secondary education after high school. Like Riley, the recipient should be a driven, hard-working student who is passionate about hockey.

On Dec. 26, 1974, Amherst's Riley made history by becoming the third Black player to skate in the National Hockey League, and the first of African Nova Scotian descent, when he suited up for the Washington Capitals. The hard-working and respected winger would go on to spend parts of five seasons in the NHL with the Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, scoring 31 goals and adding 30 assists in 139 career games. After his NHL career, the former Amherst Junior Ramblers star would captain the AHL’s now-defunct New Brunswick Hawks to a Calder Cup championship in 1982. He also served as captain of the Halifax-based Nova Scotia Voyageurs.

Congratulations to Mark on winning this year's Bill Riley Scholarship!