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Former Washington Capitals Player Bill Riley Passes Away at 75
Riley was part of the Capitals' early years and helped shape the team's identity as a gritty, hardworking player.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:23pm
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A cubist interpretation of an early Washington Capitals player's gritty style of play, reflecting the team's scrappy identity in its formative years.Hershey TodayBill Riley, who played for the Washington Capitals in their first four seasons, passed away on Sunday at the age of 75, according to the NHL Players Association. Riley was known as a gritty player and fantastic teammate who helped establish the Capitals' identity in their formative years.
Why it matters
Riley was one of the early Black players in the NHL, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Willie O'Ree. His career with the struggling Capitals in the 1970s represents an important chapter in the franchise's history as it worked to build a fanbase and competitive team.
The details
Riley played 125 games for the Capitals, scoring 31 goals and adding 30 assists. He was also known for his physical play, racking up 320 penalty minutes. In addition to the Capitals, Riley also spent time with the Winnipeg Jets, Dayton Gems, Hershey Bears, Nova Scotia Voyageurs, New Brunswick Hawks, Moncton Alpines, and St. John's Capitals over the course of his professional career.
- Riley played his first NHL game with the Capitals on December 26, 1974, becoming the third Black player in league history.
- Riley passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
The players
Bill Riley
A former player for the Washington Capitals who spent the first four seasons of his NHL career with the team, helping to establish their identity as a gritty, hardworking squad.
Mike Marson
One of the first Black players in the NHL, who played alongside Riley on the early Capitals teams.
Willie O'Ree
The first Black player in NHL history, who broke the color barrier in 1958 with the Boston Bruins.
What they’re saying
“Bill Riley was a key part of the early Capitals teams and helped shape the identity of the franchise. He will be deeply missed.”
— NHL Players Association
The takeaway
Riley's career with the Capitals represents an important milestone in the NHL's history of diversity and inclusion. As one of the league's early Black players, he paved the way for future generations and helped establish the Capitals as a scrappy, hardworking team during their formative years.
