Hockey Nova Scotia is pleased to announce the co-winners of our 2026 Bill Riley Award: Ivyonna Williams of the Halifax Minor Hockey Association and Zackary Glover of the Cole Harbour Bel Ayr Minor Hockey Association.

This year's award carries special meaning. It is the first to be presented since Bill's passing in March, and there is no better way to honour his memory than through two young players who play the game the way he did.

The Bill Riley Award is presented annually to a player in Nova Scotia of African descent who embodies the characteristics and traits that Riley demonstrated during his hockey career, including:

* An exceptional teammate
* Competitive
* Passionate about the sport
* Tenacious work ethic



Ivyonna has spent more than half her life on the ice, growing into a dedicated and dependable defender who plays with both skill and heart. Her coaches say what truly sets Ivy apart is how she lifts those around her: encouraging teammates shift after shift, making sure everyone feels included, and leading through action rather than words. She carried herself with pride and resilience all season, earning the respect of her teammates and taking home multiple player of the game honours along the way.



Zackary arrives at every practice and game with a great attitude and a readiness to work. His coaches describe him as a quiet leader who leads by example: a hard worker, a great teammate, and a great friend to everyone in the room, whose game improves every time he steps on the ice. At just 13 years old, Zackary is already seen as a future role model for the next generation of kids coming into the game.

On Dec. 26, 1974, Amherst's Bill 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.

While Bill sadly passed away in March, we know his legacy and spirit will live on in the many he helped inspire.

On behalf of everyone at Hockey Nova Scotia, we would like to congratulate Ivyonna and Zackary on winning our 2026 Bill Riley Award. We know Bill would be proud.